Berries are small, pulpy, edible fruit. They include Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Elderberries, Cranberries, and Currants.
HEALTH BENEFITS
I took an interest in Berries because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties come from the bioactive compounds contained in the Berries, specifically the polyphenols, Anthocyanins, Ellagitannins, and Chlorogenic Acid.
HOW I USE BERRIES
As a woman with Multiple Sclerosis (MS),I use Berries to help manage my MS. When I discovered that inflammation causes MS relapses, with relapses being the worsening of current or creation of new MS symptoms, I incorporated Berries into my beneficial diet to do the following:
- Use their anti-inflammatory properties to help manage inflammation.
- Use their antioxidant properties to protect the cells of the body from oxidative stress, which is linked to disease, a major source of inflammation.
So, Berries help manage inflammation and a major source of inflammation.
And managing inflammation, helps manage my MS.
PREFERENCES
I prefer to use frozen prepared (ie. cleaned) Berries, rather than deal with fresh Berries. Since I have arms and hands weakened by my MS, frozen prepared ingredients are easier to work with, making them helpful cooking shortcuts.
HAVE BERRIES HELPED ME?
Yes. I believe Berries have contributed to the anti-inflammatory nature of my beneficial diet.
I have not witnessed or identified any other benefits, but i look forward to seeing what the future brings.
CAUTION
Due to the ever possible occurrence of product contamination, I always double check my sources and check ingredient lists before trying a new item.
Allergic reactions can happen to anyone, so I do my research and keep my eyes open to any potentially dangerous reactions, especially drug interactions, when I try anything new.
Ingesting large amounts of anything can be harmful, so I always consume in moderation.
-Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy
REFERENCES
Olas B. (2018). Berry Phenolic Antioxidants – Implications for Human Health?. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 78.
Huang, J., Xie, M., He, L., Song, X., & Cao, T. (2023). Chlorogenic acid: a review on its mechanisms of anti-inflammation, disease treatment, and related delivery systems. Frontiers in pharmacology, 14, 1218015.
Kähkönen, M., Kylli, P., Ollilainen, V., Salminen, J. P., & Heinonen, M. (2012). Antioxidant activity of isolated ellagitannins from red raspberries and cloudberries. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 60(5), 1167–1174.
Khoo, H. E., Azlan, A., Tang, S. T., & Lim, S. M. (2017). Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits. Food & nutrition research, 61(1), 1361779.
Encyclopedia Britannica: Berry
Not in Kansas Anymore (www.notinksanymore.com) is a site/blog authored and managed by Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy (pwrchr-dorothy). This site/blog is intended to provide educational and research information, and to share the author’s journey.
The author of this site/blog is not a medical physician and this site/blog does not provide medical advice. This site/blog contains information that should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you choose to apply or implement any information posted at this site/blog, you do so at your own risk.
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