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Susan M Taylor Smith
Coon Rapids, MN Joined: 04/16/10 Posts: 82 View Profile |
Berry Berry Good For You !! Posted Thursday, March 10, 2011 01:24 PM What Berries Can Do for You Berries are nutritional powerhouses whether they're eaten fresh, frozen, dried, freeze-dried or powdered. But can they protect our brain and memory, melt fat and prevent urinary tract infections? Though emerging research is juicy, scientists know less about a berry's health benefits than you might think. Blueberries What we know: One of the few naturally blue-hued foods humans eat, blueberries are packed with antioxidant power, which comes from high levels of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid or plant compound. They also contain significant amounts of micronutrients and fiber. Emerging research: Blueberries have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in overweight men and women, and lower blood pressure levels in pre-diabetic men and women without raising blood sugar. Berries also have anti-inflammatory effects and may be a memory-protecting food. The resveratrol found in blueberries may help prevent macular degeneration, a disease of the retina and the leading cause of blindness in people older than 65, according to vision researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Like the cranberry, blueberries might help prevent bladder infections by preventing bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder, according to the National Institutes of Health. Raspberries What's inside: A high-fiber powerhouse, raspberries also have calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C and bone-building vitamin K. They also are a good source of several B vitamins, including folic acid and niacin. Emerging research: Raspberries have higher levels of ellagic acid than strawberries; ellagic acid has been shown "to be a powerful antioxidant and toxic to cancer cells," said Basu. They may also be a natural treatment for arthritis, due to their high anthocyanin content. Researchers showed black raspberries, which have antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, can prevent also colorectal tumors in animal studies. Cranberries Emerging research: The compounds in cranberries called "proanthocyanidins" may prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection, said Dr. Catherine Neto, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. Cranberries may reduce the ability of H. pylori bacteria to live in the stomach and cause ulcers and reduce dental plaque. Neto's research has shown in cell cultures, cranberry compounds reduce the growth and proliferation of breast, prostate and colon tumor cells. Cranberry treatment reduces bladder cancer and lymphoma, animal studies suggest. Strawberries Acai (Ah-sigh-ee) berries Emerging research: The antioxidant power depends on how the berry is eaten. Straight acai has the most nutrients, but it's not available in the U.S. Some cosmetics and beauty products contain acai oil on the ingredient list, but there's no evidence of health benefits. "There is limited evidence for benefit beyond what most other berries can provide," said Nancy Cohen, head of the Department of Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. </p> <p> Noted: Beware. There's no evidence the berries promote weight loss any more than any other fruits. Because fresh acai is only available in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, look for it in juice or pulp form or powder. Just two tablespoons of powder -- sprinkled on cereal, yogurt or smoothies -- meets the suggested daily dose of antioxidants. Heating it may diminish some of its antioxidants. |
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