Author: Dr. Edward Group 06/01/2009 @ 11:10 am
Berries have been shown to be some of the healthiest foods on the planet. It seems new research is constantly being published and berries are being recognized and analyzed for their health giving properties.
Extremely high in antioxidants, berries are among my favorite foods. In no specific order, these are berries that are extremely high health benefits:
1. Goji Berries
Sometimes called Chinese Wolfberry or Mede Berry, traditional
societies link this potent berry to sexual vitality, happiness,
longevity, and overall physical strength. Grown in Tibet and Nepal, goji berries
have been scientifically linked to possessing the ability to fight
negative health conditions and protect the liver from contaminates.
Deep red in color, goji berries are composed of 18 essential amino
acids, 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E, linoleic acid,
selenium, germanium, and more beta carotene than the common carrot.
A study from the Chinese Journal of Oncology found that patients with
cancer responded better to treatment when goji berries were added to
their daily diet.
2. Blueberries
The blueberry is an antioxidant powerhouse. That deep blue color is related to high amounts of phytonutrients called anthocyanidins. These phytonutrients aid in the process of neutralizing free radical damage in our cells.
Overtime, the collagen matrix of our tissues and cells begins to
deteriorate. Blueberries help to keep this from happening, with a high
capacity for free-radical neutralization.
A recent study from Tufts University analyzed over 50 common fruits
and vegetables for hard scientific data on their antioxidant
capabilities. Blueberries consistently ranked at the top of this list.
Blueberries also help to reduce our chances of developing diseases
related to inflammation of the cells. This includes a reduced risk for
heart disease, many types of cancer, cataracts, varicose veins,
hemorrhoids, glaucoma, and peptic ulcers. The American Institute for
Cancer Research states, “We now know that blueberries are one of the
best sources of antioxidants, substances that can slow the aging process
and reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer.”
3. Acai Berries
The acai berry
is a relatively new-found health treasure. Once only known in the
forests of the Amazon rainforest, the acai berry was traditionally used
as a powerfully healing, energy-boosting fruit.
Similar to red wine, acai berries are dense in levels of
anthocyanins, a substance associated with heart health and lowered
levels of cholesterol.
Due to their strong antioxidant contents, acai berries are also
related to slowing the process of aging and preventing diseases related
to cellular oxidative damage. One acai berry holds ten times the amount
of antioxidant vitamins as grapes, and two times the amount of
blueberries.
4. Bilberries
Three times smaller than the blue berry, but similar in appearance
and flavor, bilberries are extremely high in antioxidant anthocyanidins.
Bilberries
are known for helping diabetes, as anthocyanidins protect the lining of
blood vessels from being degenerated through the process of toxic
oxidation.[1]
Bilberries have also been linked to possessing components that aid in
the ability to increase night vision, protect the eyes, and reduce the
occurrence of poor vision, cataracts, and macular degeneration.[2]
Bilberries also hold components that increase the amount of blood
flow to the circulatory vessels. This allows them to be useful in
treating conditions related to circulatory problems such as varicose
veins and hemorrhoids. Bilberries are best taken in a supplement or
extract form.
Other Names for Bilberries: Huckleberry, Wineberry, Dyeberry
5. Strawberries
There are over 600 varieties of strawberries on the earth so you
won’t have to look hard to find this deep-red health booster.
Strawberries are high in antioxidant phytonutrients known as phenols.
Phenols are responsible for protecting the heart from disease, reducing
risks of cancer, and acting as an overall anti-inflammatory fruit.
Studies show that strawberries
may also help protect the brain with a powerful antioxidant capacity.
Strawberries reduce macular degeneration of the eyes, and are an
excellent source of potassium, fiber, many B vitamins, vitamin C,
vitamin K, manganese, iodine, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and
copper.
One study from Cornell University demonstrated that strawberries stopped the proliferation of HepG(2) liver cancer cells. Another study showed that a substance found in the berry called isothiocyanate inhibited esophageal cancer.
6. Blackberries
Blackberries are more than just powerful antioxidants. They are also
extremely high in some of the highest forms of chronic disease and
cancer-fighting compounds: vitamins C, E, and ellagic acid. They also
hold high levels the soluble fiber known as pectin, a substance that
studies link to lowered levels of cholesterol. Related to the rose, lab
studies on these thorny-bushed berries at Ohio State University showed
the ability to stop tumor formation in the oral cavity, as well as
proliferation of colon cancer cells.
7. Cherries
Cherries are high in quercetin and ellagic acid. This antioxidant
flavonoid has been shown to act as an anti-cancer agent in cells and
tissues.
Cherries are also high in anthocyanins and bioflavonoids, substances
related to reducing the symptoms of arthritis, inflammatory conditions
and migraine headaches. Cherries also contain melatonin, an important
natural chemical related to healthy sleep rhythms and maintaining a
youthful appearance.
Growing Your Own Berries
Most berries are fairly easy to grow and are fun to pick and eat
first thing in the morning for breakfast. I recommend purchased berries
be organically certified. Although not listed, raspberries are extremely
high in ellagic acid and also have tremendous health benefits.
What are your favorite berries?- Kat Mesia senang ke ? kuikuikui ...
~Dr. G
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