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The skin of the berry contains antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins, all of which make the berry a wonderful medicine 1.
Preparation: Berries can be eaten raw, cooked or frozen. For the best nutritional benefits eat your berries as fresh as possible. Many of the valuable nutrients found in berries are destroyed (esp. Vitamin C) when the fruit is prepared at high or low temperatures (cooking, freezing). Freezing fresh berries, however, will not destroy the antioxidant properties. Juicing berries reduces the flavour and vitamin C levels. Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant All berries are very high in anti-oxidants, higher than most fruits. It is the antioxidants of berries that protect the plant from disease, give the berries their lush color and also help keep your cells youthful (antiaging effect). It is also the antioxidants from berries that give them there anti-inflammatory and anticarinogenic properties.
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Anti adhesive to bacteria/Anti microbial Cranberries have been especially noted for their use in enhancing the health of the urinary system. Recent trials have demonstrated the antimicrobial effects of cranberries in relation to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). Drinking 100% cranberry juice on a regular basis can reduce the incident of UTI. 3 Raspberries and blackberries have been shown to inhibit the growth of several gastrointestinal organisms. 2
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Reduce memory loss Berries reduce development & progression of neurogenerative disorders, with blueberries being the most widely studies in regard to cognition. Both blueberries and strawberries have a positive effect on neuronal and behavioural deficits that occur during aging. 4
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Protect and Restore Veins Berries contain special constituents called anthocyanins and flavonoids. These have been shown to be protective and restorative to the integrity of veins and capillaries.
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Enhance Vision Due to the protective effect that berries have on the small capillaries they can be used to improve the integrity and function of the eyes. They are particularly useful for the prevention of diabetic retinopathy and enhancing night vision.
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Anticancer activity: The antioxidants and anthocyanins found in berries (strawberry, blueberry, cranberry, elderberry and raspberry) have been found to reduce tumour growth in animal studies. Oxidative damage to cells and tissues increases the risk of cancer. The antioxidants and anthocyanins potentially protect cells and DNA from this oxidative damage. The skin of berries is high resveratrol; a constituent attributed to suppression of lymphoid, colon, prostate, breast and stomach cancers. 2
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Cautions: Conclusion: Containing a wide range of nutrients, antioxidant and fiber, berries are delicious and a a great dietary medicine. Though more research into these tasty treats is required to determine all there health benefits we can defiantly say that the berry is defiantly a Super Food! Reference: 1. Gross PM (2007). Scientists zero in on health benefits of berry pigments. Natural Products Information Center. 2. Sharon Natoli, Complementary Medicine, (2005), September 3. Raz et al, (2004), CID, Cranberry Juice and Urinary Tract Infections, May, pp1419-1413 4. Joseph et al (1999), The Journal of Neuroscience, Reversals of age related declines in neuronal signal transduction, cognitive and motor behavioral deficits with blueberry, spinach or strawberry dietary supplements, pp 8114-8121 By: Emma Petschack |
Berries have been part of the human diet for thousands of years and are a delicious addition to many meals. The bright colors protect the plant from sunlight, damage and promote animals to eat them, thus spreading the seed so they can reproduce. The vibrant berry has also caught the eye of many health professionals who now recognise the berry as having many medicinal uses. Most berries are edible, though some are poisonous. Blueberries and cranberries are not true berries, but often come under this category.
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