Berries Are True Superfoods

April 24, 2008

Posted by Carey Rossi

What makes berries tiny nutritional superstars? It’s their chemical make up, says a multidisciplinary, international group of experts meeting at the 2007 International Berry Health Benefits Symposium. Here’s what a flurry of papers unveiled as the nutritional powers of berries (Seeram NP. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Feb 13;56(3):627-9.)

• Berry fruits contain micronutrients and macronutrients including vitamins, minerals, folate, and fiber;
• The various biological properties of berries are largely related to their high levels and wide diversity of phytochemicals;
• Berries’ tannins—naturally occurring compounds—contribute to each berry’s unique biological properties. For example, strawberries’ ability to protect spatial deficits and blueberries’ ability to preserve learning and memory may be traced to their tannins;
• And, most importantly, the complementary, additive and synergistic effects of the multiple phytochemicals that berries contain are believed to be responsible for their wide range of biological effects, not one compound alone.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: In a world of heavily processed, nutrient deficient foods, berries are easy to eat, taste great and are packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Get your berries, whether fresh or from berry extract based supplements. Berries help regulate many of the body’s functions such as metabolism and repairing oxidative damage.

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Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.