Found in a number of plant foods, ellagic acid is a phytochemical, or plant chemical, that has been promoted as a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants help to repair the body and may prevent the development of some diseases. Ellagic acid is marketed as a supplement that some hope will fend off diseases, including cancer. Experimental evidence supports the antioxidant properties of ellagic acid, but clinical evidence is needed to support the supplemental use of ellagic acid for fighting disease.
Antioxidants Fight Free Radicals
Antioxidants are the body's defense against damage by free radicals. Free radicals, which can damage your cells, are a natural by-product of the use of oxygen by the body. An excess of free radicals in the body has been implicated in the development of diseases such as cancer. Antioxidants like ellagic acid can limit the amount of free radicals formed in the body, destroy some of those already there and enhance the ability of enzymes to repair damage in the cell. Including ellagic acid in your diet will increase your antioxidant intake and boost your free radical fighting ability.
Scientific Evidence
According to a 2008 "International Journal of Molecular Science" publication, damage to your DNA, or deoxyribose nucleic acid, is the precursor of cancer development, and agents that prevent this damage would help in warding off cancer. DNA is the genetic unit of the cell, and the study assessed the ability of different berries and ellagic acid to reduce DNA damage. The ellagic acid content of the berries was rated as low for blueberries, medium for strawberries and high for red raspberries. For 3 weeks mice were fed a diet supplemented with different berries and ellagic acid. At the end of the study, it was concluded that red raspberries and ellagic acid reduce DNA damage.
Where to Find Ellagic Acid
Present in plants such as raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans and pomegranates, access to ellagic acid is not limited. The amount of ellagic acid available varies depending on the plant. The ellagicdirect.com website states that in micrograms per gram of dried weight, pecans were found to have 330 mcg, walnuts 590 mcg, strawberries 630 mcg and red raspberries 1500 mcg of ellagic acid.
Ellagic Acid Supplement
The Meeker Red Raspberry Seeds is an ellagic acid supplement on the market that has 1000 mg Meeker Red Raspberry seed extract per tablet. The company recommends 2 tablets daily with a meal, or 3 tablets twice daily for a more aggressive dosage. A full money back guarantee is offered to those who are dissatisfied with the product, on condition that you had purchased a minimum of 240 tablets and return the unused portion within 30 days.
Considerations
Antioxidants such as ellagic acid will help you in the fight against free radical damage, but the American Institute for Cancer Research states that some supplements could be harmful in large doses. The institute suggests the produce section of your supermarket as your best source of antioxidants, and indicates that whole foods may provide better antioxidant support than supplements. Keep your doctor apprised of any supplemental change to your diet.
