Health Benefits of Berryfruits

Vitamin C

Perhaps the best known of the antioxidants, Vitamin C is also called Ascorbic Acid. It is a water-soluble nutrient that is believed to "sponge up" free radicals (dangerous by-products of the natural oxidation processes in the body). These free radicals can cause irreversible damage to healthy cells - this is why antioxidants are considered an essential part of a body's defences. Vitamin C may also be a key component in the body's manufacture of collagen, its wound-healing protein.

Quercetin

This is a flavonol that works as an antioxidant and anticarcinogen - and it has also been shown to reduce the release of histamine, which may make it an effective treatment for allergies. Quercetin is presenting in many red and dark berries, especially blackcurrants and boysenberries.

Salicylic Acid

The salicylic acid found in dark berryfruits may prove to have the same protective effect against heart disease as aspirin. Pharmacists know aspirin as "salicylic acid acetate", and have long been aware of the ability of small daily doses to inhibit arteriosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"). It's now believed that salicylic acids consumed in foods may provide a similar benefit.

Catechins

These are flavonols that support the antioxidant defence system. As well as berries, catechins are the active substances found in green tea and studies are showing that they may contribute to cancer prevention.

Ellagic Acid

This is a member of the family of phenolic compounds, which are known to influence the quality, acceptability and stability of foods by acting as flavourants, colourants or antioxidants. More importantly, it is a substance that appears to block various hormone reactions and metabolic pathways associated with the development of cancer. The levels of ellagic acid in boysenberries is exceptionally high - as much as six times the levels found in other fruits.

Fibre

We should all be aware of the benefits of this carbohydrate-like substance. Found only in plants, dietary fibre helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract, and this in turn may help prevent certain types of cancers. It can also help reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Anthocyanins

Many of the antioxidant characteristics associated with berries can be attributed to the anthocyanin content. These anthocyanins are a major component of the phenolic/flavenoid class, and they are the deep pigments that give berries their rich dark colours. Researchers are currently linking anthocyanin activity to improving vision, controlling diabetes, improving circulation, preventing cancer, and retarding the effects of aging (particularly memory loss and motor skills).

Antioxidants

If you would like to read the full test results from the official Crop & Food Research tests on antioxidant activity carried out by Dr C. E. Lister & N. S. Kerhofs, click here...

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