AMERICA’S NEXT TOP SUPER BERRY (AS PRESENTED BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL)

Super berries have all sorts of healthful benefits. Some boast as "the ultimate anti-aging superfood," says registered dietitian Lauri Boone in her new book, "Powerful Plant-Based Superfoods: The Best Way to Eat for Maximum Health, Energy, and Weight Loss ." "They top the charts with their high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals to keep your brain young, skin glowing, and reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer." class="img-responsive" Consider the health benefits of these super berries:

Aronia Berry

Growers in the Midwest have taken to these tiny fruits, also known as ‘chokeberries,’ which are used in beverages and gummy chews. Aronia Berries are extremely high in antioxidants. Aronia Berries also have the highest anthocyanin concentrations (pigments), and are very high in proanthocyanidins (tannins), in addition to a lot of other polyphenols . Aronia berries have been used in scientific research because of their extremely high levels of these phytonutrients. Following an initial review of the available clinical data there might be evidence to suggest that regular aronia berry consumption may: Reduce blood pressure. Reduce oxidized LDL cholesterol levels. Reduce inflammation. Reduce the chance of a heart attack. Reduce recovery time following a heart attack. Reduce weight gain. Reduce eye inflammation. Reduce muscle recovery time after workouts. Regulate Blood sugar. Reduce the chance of developing cancer.

Barberry

Tart and red, it is the native to mountainous western Asia and a staple in Iranian kitchens. Dried barberries have begun popping up in cereal bars. Medicinal use of barberry dates back more than 2,500 years. It has been used in Indian folk medicine to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve upset stomach, and promote vigor as well as a sense of well being. Today, it is widely used for medicinal purposes in Iran, including for biliary disorders (such as gallbladder disease) and heartburn.

Black Raspberry

With their ‘woodsy’ taste, they are best known as an ice cream flavor. Researchers are studying their cancer inhibiting potential.

Blueberry

Stars of the produce aisle since the late 1990s, when Tufts University researchers showed they eased declines in motor and brain function in aging rats. Recent testing has confirmed that Oregon black raspberries have astonishingly high antioxidant levels.

Elderberry

The tiny black fruits, which grow in clusters, a re perhaps best known in homemade wine and are used commercially as ‘natural’ food coloring. Used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis.

Goji Berry

These bright red natives of China taste a little like cranberries and show up in trail mix and juice. Unique among fruits because they contain all essential amino acids, goji berries also have the highest concentration of protein of any fruit. They are also loaded with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have twenty-one trace minerals, and are high in fiber. Boasting 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium and many other important trace minerals, there is no doubt that the humble goji berry is a nutritional powerhouse.

This amazing little superfruit also contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their powerful antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system. It’s no wonder then, that in traditional Chinese medicine they are renowned for increasing strength and longevity.

Olallieberry

Hybrid of the youngberry and loganberry with a sweet tart taste, these are on berry entrepreneurs’ radar, appearing locally in California jams and pie fillings. Loganberry and youngberry hybrids are called olallieberries, which are found mostly in California. It is rich in vitamin C and fiber that are helpful in reducing cancer risks.

Yumberry

Native to China, where they were originally called yang mei, this fruit tastes somewhere between strawberries and pomegranate. Like many other berries, yumberries are full of nutrients. They contain strong antioxidants and numerous vitamins and minerals, including high quantities of vitamin-C, thiamine, riboflavin, and beta-carotene.

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