Eating watercress every day could help protect against cancer, say researchers. Watercress, a leafy green vegetable favored in salads and soup, could be promoted to the rank of a super food alongside broccoli, blueberries, dark chocolate and baked beans, with new research suggesting it can help reduce the risk of cancer.  The vegetable also reduces damage to DNA in cells, according to a British trial.

The researchers discovered that DNA damage to white blood cells was reduced by 22.9%. Furthermore when exposed to dangerous chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, the damage was much lower than expected.

Importantly, antioxidant levels in the subjects also improved during the trial which help to combat free radicals that damage tissues. In contrast, harmful compounds in the blood decreased by 10%. Additionally the most beneficial effects were seen in smokers who participated in the study.

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ATLANTA - Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is pledging $10 million to the American Cancer Society, the second-largest gift in the organization’s history, to help provide one-on-one support for cancer patients in U.S. hospitals, the American Cancer Society said Wednesday.

The society said the money will help it develop 50 new sites for its Patient Navigator Program. One of the first three sites was in AstraZeneca’s U.S. base of Wilmington, Del., at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care.

“While there are many uncertainties associated with cancer,” said Richard C. Wender, the national volunteer president of the American Cancer Society, “the Patient Navigator Program can relieve some of these anxieties by providing personalized support and education for the needs of each patient and their families.”

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