Blackberries, strawberries, blueberries -- vaults of phytochemicals
[Follow the Wikipedia links]
Chemicals naturally synthesized by plants --phytochemicals (phyto = "plant") -- are suspected (but not proven) of providing health benefits.
They are different in definition from nutrients known to be essential for human health.
Across the entire plant world, phytochemicals number as many as 10,000 individual elements including non-nutrient chemicals such as
Many under scientific study now to define their properties
are being isolated and tested in the laboratory.
Some or all may eventually prove effective for human health but
these will first require years of study in human clinical trials.
So many rightly ask:
With research proof of health effects so far off,
why should consumers be convinced enough to put plant food sources
like berries into their diets now?
-
research is pointing toward these conclusions
-
the foods are safe to consume in amounts normal for a diet
-
they are enjoyable to use in a diet
-
committing to daily use of colorful foods is a reminder to eat wisely and live a healthy lifestyle
Which phytochemicals from berries have shown
sufficient research progress
so we can safely put them into our diets ?
Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia), an enriched source of resveratrol
[general rule: the darker the grape, the more resveratrol you get!]
A previous entry from the Berry Doctor's Journal on grape phenolics, click
Resveratrol
(pronounced in syllables, it's not so difficult -- "res-ver-a-trol")
For scientific detail, read the Resveratrol page from the
Micronutrient Information Center of the Linus Pauling Institute, click!
Read the Wikipedia page on potential health benefits of grape resveratrol
What plants have it?
- red grapes (skins and seeds)
- blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, black currants
- peanuts with skins
- seaberries ("sea buckthorn")
What does it do?
- plants make resveratrol for protection against fungi, bacteria, solar radiation
- in humans, the most likely role is anti-inflammatory
What research shows its possible human health benefits?
How do we include it in our diet?
- dark grape, blueberry, cranberry or black currant juice
- red wine (2 glasses daily maximum for men, one for women) -- Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, read about them at the excellent Wikipedia wine article
- dark grapes, especially those with seeds (chew the seeds for maximum benefit)
- dark raisins or dried blueberries, cranberries or black currants
- peanuts with skins, peanut butter
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