What's the Benefit of Berries in Bloom?

Continued from Yesterday:

There are about 16 species of blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), and their benefits are similarly numerous. Blueberry anthocyanins are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and they have been credited with protecting neuronal1 and brain function, and memory;2 as well as improving glucose control.3

Grapes, technically berries, also address glucose-related conditions, including metabolic syndrome factors, but this berry is well-known for cardiovascular health benefits, such as blood pressure and inflammation.4

Other berries affect some of these factors as well. Chokeberries appear to improve blood sugar control and insulin function,5 not to mention positive results on obesity and potentially protective actions on cancer, gastric disease and pancreatitis.6 The Brazilian-based açaí berry has also addressed blood sugar and insulin levels, in addition to lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol, among the several factors associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke.7,8 Bilberry has inflammation as its target, namely uveitis (ocular inflammation).9 It also protects the eyes from oxidative problems by raising levels of various antioxidants, including vitamin C and superoxide dismutase (SOD).10 Still other berries, especially exotic varieties such as goji and maqui berries, have garnered attention for antioxidant content and actions.11,12

Tiffany Kiro, Thion Global, said macqui had one of the highest ORAC values (measure of antioxidant status in test tube) among superfruits. "It has very high delphinidin content in its anthocyanin composition, which is one of the strongest active compounds," she noted.

However, a handful of berries have been touted for beneficial effects on the immune system. With an abundance of antioxidant anthocyanins such as quercetin, cranberries have shown promise in CVD, cancer and immune health.13,14,15 Proanthocyanidin content has been the focus of much work on the anti-adhesion capability of cranberries—mostly juice, but also powder and whole—which inhibits bacteria and other pathogens from sticking to certain wall cells, especially in urinary tract infections (UTIs).16,17 Elderberries also contain quercetin, although it’s the berry’s lectin content that has been credited for antiviral actions.18 Elderberry is also promising in the battle against the flu, inhibiting the replication of viral strains and helping to speed recovery from the illness.19,20

This glancing overview of research on health benefits is the basis for increased consumer demand for berry ingredients, dependent only on the consistency of this information reaching consumer ears. “With this educational ground work in place, consumers are increasingly educating themselves on the specific health benefits of individual berries, and also the benefit of combining different berries,” Phillips said.

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http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2010/06/berries-in-bloom.aspx

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http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/