Berry Antioxidants and Cancer

An interesting article from Scientific American–taking antioxidant supplements may make certain types of cancer grow faster.  Some very specific types of cancer cells are susceptible to attack by free radicals (melanoma is the biggest example).  Some studies have shown that antioxidant supplements can protect these cancer cells, in addition to the rest of the cells in the body.   Antioxidants and Cancer The take-away message should NOT be “Antioxidants cause cancer.”  The take-away message, I think, should be that if you are taking supplements and are diagnosed with certain types of cancers, stop taking supplements.  Continue to eat a normal healthy diet that contains whole foods with naturally-occurring antioxidants, but do not load up on extras.