Freeze Dried Berries
Blackberries - Blueberries - Boysenberries - Cherries
(Tart)
Cranberries - Raspberries - Strawberries - Mangos - Noni-Fruit - Berry
Blend
Berries Have Antioxidants!
Scientists have found that berries have some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruits. Kale and spinach are the only vegetables with oxygen radical absorptive capacity (ORAC) values as high as fresh delicious berries. These tiny mouth-watering fruits contain numerous health-promoting compounds. They are some of the most powerful (and yummy) “good-for-you” foods available. Many of their nutrients are useful in preventing chronic and degenerative conditions, including aging.
Much research concludes that aging is directly linked to unquenched radicals within the body (free radicals). These deep-colored berries are loaded with antioxidants which protect cells from harmful, reactive molecules called "free radicals." Free radicals are actually unstable, highly reactive molecules that interfere with normal biological processes. When they interfere with these processes which are vital for life, they cause damage to the body at the cellular level and greatly affect our health and longevity.
What are phytochemicals?
Among berries' beneficial compounds is a category called phytochemicals. There are so many of them and they are so new that we are probably at the beginning of understanding how important these substances are. Within the body, phytochemicals function predominately as antioxidants, compounds that protect the body against free radicals or unstable molecules that cause cell damage leading to chronic and degenerative diseases.
Flavonoids are one group of phytochemicals. The flavonoids found in berries include quercetin, anthocyanidin and anthocyanins. These flavonoids, also called Bioflavonoids, are essential to the absorption and utilization of vitamin C and the actually enhance the effects of vitamin C in the body. Flavonoids have also been shown to have other positive effects, such as stimulating the immune system. That is why the best vitamin C supplements contain rosehips, bioflavonoids, quercetin, or some such substance. These substances are naturally found in all foods containing vitamin C foods. It is because bioflavonoids and vitamin C naturally belong together and are made to synergistically work together in the body.
Anthocyanins are the largest group of flavonoids (water-soluble pigments in the plant kingdom). More than 8000 flavonoids, and 500 anthocyanins structures had been reported by the year 2000 and more are continually being isolated. Anthocyanins are believed to display an array of beneficial actions on human health and well-being. Due to our increasing understanding and awareness of the potential beneficial human health effects, research on anthocyanins has recently intensified. During the past two decades an increasing number of studies have investigated the diverse protective effects elicited by polyphenolics present in various fruits and vegetables.
Anthocyanins and anthocyanidin are compounds that give many berries their dark blue/purple color. In fact, color may be key in spotting foods that fight free radicals. When they are found in vegetables such as Kale, the green chlorophyll color covers up the anthocyanins pigments while the flavonoid pigments are easy to spot in most fruits. In addition to working with vitamin C, these important substances have been shown to aid in normalizing platelet aggregation and cholesterol levels and research shows the help to improve visual function.
Vitamin C can also be used by the body as a strong anti-oxidant just like the flavonoids. Together they are able to synergistically work together and are even more powerful at preventing free radical damage than either would be separately. This combination has been shown to greatly improve capillary integrity and the integrity of support structures of the entire vascular system. In addition, this “dynamic duo” has been shown to work their protective magic by inhibiting the cleaving of destructive enzyme to the collagen matrix (destructive “foreign” cells secrete enzymes to invade). These antioxidants have been shown to directly cross-link with collagen fibers to form a more stable collagen matrix. Free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues can lead to many degenerative health problems as well as aging.
Ellagic acid is another phytochemical, though not a flavonoid it is a phenolic compound with antioxidant properties. Ellagic acid is also found in berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries has been shown to block metabolic pathways that lead to cellular dysfunction and degenerative disease. These compounds are likely just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding phytochemicals and the health-promoting effects of colorful nutrient dense foods.
Research on the Health Benefits of Berries
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What Else Do Berries Have?
Berries also contain many beneficial micronutrients including vitamin C and vitamin E, calcium and folic acid. In addition, berries are an excellent source of dietary fiber (mostly a soluble fiber called pectin). Fiber helps to normalize cholesterol levels. It reduces risk of colon cancer and has been shown to have a favorable effect on postprandial glucose levels (blood sugar levels after eating). Fiber is essential to maintain a healthy digestive tract and is an important health-promoting component missing in many American diets. Whether there are health concerns with diarrhea or constipation, poor digestion or intestinal gas, fiber supports a healthy digestive tract and will help to promote and maintain a healthy system.
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