Berry Compound Boosts Overall Health

Berry Compound Boosts Overall Health

Berry Compound Boosts Overall Health

 Anti-Aging and Human Growth Hormone

Phytonutrients in plant-based foods, flavonoids have been shown by a number of previous studies to lower risks of various chronic diseases. Many types of berries are high in flavonoids, particularly red, blue and purple berries. C. Samieri, from Harvard Medical School (Massachusetts, USA), and colleagues analyzed data collected on 13,818 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study, 1984-1986. At the start of the study, the subjects had no chronic diseases. Followed for an average of 15 years, during which food surveys were collected. 1,151 women survived into their 70s, absence of chronic diseases or major impairments in cognitive or physical function. The data revealed flavones, flavanones, anthocyanins, and flavanols increased the odds of aging with little or no impairment/chronic disease by 32, 28, 25, and 18%, respectively. The study authors report that: “Higher intake of flavonoids at midlife, specifically flavones, flavanones, anthocyanins, and flavonols, is associated with greater likelihood of health and wellbeing in individuals surviving to older ages.”

Source: http://www.worldhealth.net/news/berry-compound-boosts-overall-health/

Berry Compound Boosts Overall Health

When it comes to health, berries have a fabulous reputation. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, called anthocyanins, that may help keep memory sharp as you age, and raspberries contain ellagic acid, a compound with anti-cancer properties. All berries are great sources of fiber, a nutrient important for a healthy digestive system. But if you need more reasons to dig into summer’s sun-kissed little fruits, look no further than two new studies, which suggest that berries may be good for your heart and your bones as well.
In a study of 72 middle-age people published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating just under a cup of mixed berries daily for eight weeks was associated with increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and lowered blood pressure, two positives when it comes to heart health. Included in the mix were strawberries, red raspberries and bilberries—similar to blueberries—as well as other berries more common in Finland (where the research was conducted): black currants, lingonberries and choke­berries.