Nutrafiles consultant Abdul Qudoos discusses the benefits of berry flavonoids.
Flavonoids – which are also known as phytochemicals, polyphenols, phenols and bioflavonoids – are organic compounds that occur as pigments in fruit.
They exist in rich amounts in berries, making berries one of the most powerful medicinal foods known. The richer the colour of the berry, the greater its powers. For instance, black raspberries are more powerful than red raspberries, while blackcurrants have greater medicinal activity than, for instance, gooseberries.
The special benefits of berry flavonoids have been documented recently. For example, people who regularly eat berries usually have excellent bone density, while researchers have discovered that berry extracts, for instance from blackberries, directly effect the function of the cell membrane.
There are several flavonoid-rich berries:
Cranberry: Contains powerful phytochemicals and phytonutrients that promote wellness and help to prevent age-related chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, certain stomach ulcers and even cancer. Over the past 30 years, scientists have confirmed the long heritage of the cranberry's properties: it cleanses the urinary tract, and helps kill bacteria and fungi in the urinary tract and gut; it strengthens kidneys and also the intestinal wall; it strengthens gums and destroys toxic oral bacteria.
Blackberry: Known to be a sedative, diuretic, tonic and pain reliever, it cleanses the digestive tract and blood, cleanses the spleen, detoxifies the colon and helps improve bone density. Long-term consumption reveals antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-dysenteric, anti-heartburn, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipyretic and anticancer properties.
Blueberry: Known to be a sedative, pain reliever and stimulant, the blueberry improves the function of the retina; improves skin tone; improves brain function and prevents brain cell degeneration; strengthens the pancreas and improves blood sugar control; and cleanses the urinary tract. It is an effective nutritious and medicinal supplement and is rich in antioxidant compounds that battle cell and DNA damage associated with heart disease, diabetes, malignant disease etc.
Brindleberry/Indian Berry (Amla): Known to be a stimulant. Long-term consumption reveals anticancer, anti-catarrhal, anti-helminthic, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-ulcer, appetite suppressant, astringent, cardio tonic, demulcent and thermogenic properties. It blocks sugar conversion to fat, is widely used as an appetite suppressant and is effective agent against lipids, body fat and cholesterol. It can be used in herbal appetite suppressants, energy drinks, weight-loss remedies, etc.
Chokeberry (Aronia Melanocarpa): The fruit has a high vitamin C content and was traditionally used by Potawatomi Native Americans to cure colds. The active principle of Chokeberry contains a mixture of procyanidins, anthocyanins and phenolic acids, making it one of the most potent natural antioxidants.
The anthocyanin cyanidin-3-galactoside has a high antioxidant capacity, and it is speculated that inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme is its main function. COX-2 is stimulated by injury or some form of attack on the body and controls inflammatory processes.
Goji Berry/Wolfberry: Known to be an aphrodisiac, stimulant and pain reliever, and as a traditional Chinese anti-ageing remedy, research supports its use as a treatment for psoriasis, allergies, arthritis and inflammatory conditions, diabetes (adult-onset, non-insulin-dependent), gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension (high blood pressure), infertility, obesity, periodontal disease and sexual dysfunction.
It can also be used as a blood builder and for cancer prevention and management, as well as for improving cardiovascular health, immunity, liver protection, vision and athletic performance. Goji berries can be used in herbal appetite suppressants, energy drinks, weight-loss remedies etc.
Raspberry: Known to be a hypnotic, depressant, sedative, stimulant and pain reliever. Red raspberry improves the function of the female organs, balances breast tissue, and cleanses the blood; black raspberry cleanses the colon, liver, spleen and blood, and boosts bone marrow function. The raspberry also directly attacks and destroys cancer cells. It can be used in herbal appetite suppressants, energy drinks, weight-loss remedies etc.
Blackcurrant: The fruit has extraordinarily high vitamin C content and a broad range of essential nutrients. Blackcurrant strengthens joints and connective tissue, improves blood counts, rebuilds the immune system, balances female sex glands, strengthens and smoothes skin, balances the circulatory system, and fights inflammation in the arteries. Blackcurrant is used for dietary supplements, snacks, functional food products, and in individually quick frozen (IQF) produce for culinary production. Besides being juiced and used in jellies, syrups and cordials, it is also used in cooking because its astringency creates flavour in many sauces, meat dishes and desserts.