Berries Packed with Health Benefits

Although diminutive in size, berriesstoneless, pulpy fruits containing one or more seeds are one of natures most concentrated sources of beneficial compounds.

The tiny, delicious fruits known as berries contain numerous health-promoting compounds known to provide a plethora of health benefits. These naturally occurring substances protect against a host of health concerns including aging, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and neurodegeneration.

Among berries beneficial compounds are phytochemicals, nonnutritive plant chemicals. Within the body, phytochemicals function as antioxidants, compounds that protect the body against free radicalsunstable oxygen molecules that cause cell damage leading to chronic and degenerative diseases.

Varieties of phytochemicals present in berries include phenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, which has been shown to inhibit carcinogenesis both in vivo and in vitro¹, and flavonoids. The flavonoids in berries include quercetin, which may have hypocholesterolemic effects,²anthocyanadins and anthocyanins, compounds associated with lowered risk of cardiovascular disease through inhibition of platelet aggregation, and improved visual function.³

Berries also contain many beneficial micronutrients including vitamin C and vitamin E, calcium and folic acid. In addition, berries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which has been linked to lowered cholesterol levels and reduced risk of colon cancer, and has been shown to help regulate postprandial glucose levels.

Since many of the compounds in berries exert antioxidant effects within the body, berries may be useful in preventing chronic and degenerative conditionsincluding aging⁴which appear to be a direct consequence of unquenched free radicals within the body. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) testingwhich measures the antioxidant capability of substanceshas shown blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries possess some of the highest ORAC values among fresh fruits.⁵

Epidemiological evidence suggests blueberries may protect against or help reverse neurodegenerative conditions including neuronal aging and Alzheimers disease (AD). According to a study conducted at the University of Guelph in Ontario, the mechanism by which blueberries help protect the brain and central nervous system is by causing an increase in serum antioxidant status, which is linked to reduced risk of chronic and degenerative diseases.⁶ Another Canadian study showed consumption of lowbush blueberries helped protect neurons against prolonged strokeinduced damage.⁷ In addition, a study out of Tufts University showed blueberries enhanced memory-associated neuronal signaling and alterations involved in certain neuronal activities and concluded it may be possible to overcome genetic predisposition to AD through diet.⁸

Like blueberries, cranberries provide a suite of health benefits. A study conducted at Cornell University tested the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of common fruits and found cranberries had the highest total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity and antiproliferative effects in human liver-cancer cells.8 Another study out of the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa., found cranberries had the highest total phenol levels of 20 fruits commonly consumed in the American diet.⁹

Some manufacturers may be looking at other benefits derived from cranberry extract, but Cape Cod Biolab Corp. (Buzzards Bay, Mass.-based producers of Cran-Max) has focused on the applicability of cranberries to urinary tract infections (UTIs), said Curt Miller, consulant for Proprietary Nutritionals Inc. (the Brantford, Ontario-based suppliers and distributors of Cran-Max).

Studies have been conducted to examine the mechanism by which cranberries may benefit the urinary system. It is thought certain phytochemicals in cranberries may prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, which may inhibit urinary tract infections.¹⁰ Further, cranberries have been shown to inhibit kidney stone formation, according to a South African study.¹¹

In addition to the urinary system, the anti-adhesive properties of cranberries are thought to benefit other systems in the body. Epidemiological evidence suggests the same mechanism may prevent development of periodontal disease.¹²

Dental hygiene products such as mouthwash and toothpaste are among the newest delivery systems we have seen, said Doug Klaiber, general manager with Decas Botanical Synergies (DBS) in Wareham, Mass. DBS produces NutriCran, a line of cranberry-based powders, extracts and oils. The most significant growth, however, has come from enriched health drinks and dietary supplements, Klaiber said. In addition, the market for multi-berry formulations is beginning to grow, with more people looking for multi-berry formulations that combine the specific benefits of several types of berries.

Regarding challenges in formulation, Klaiber said cranberry extracts, powders and oils actually pose no challenges but help stabilize some functional food products and supplements.

Among the berries, strawberries contain the highest levels of the antioxidant vitamin C and ellagic acid. And, like blueberries, strawberries are also thought to protect against the decline of the central nervous system in age-related neurodegenerative diseases ¹³ and to provide benefits to the aging brain.¹⁴ As with other varieties of berries, strawberries have also been shown to protect against cancer. For example, a study out of Cornell University showed strawberries inhibited the proliferation of HepG(2) liver cancer cells,¹⁵ while another study showed isothiocyanates in strawberries inhibited esophageal cancer.¹⁶

Like strawberries, blackberries (or black raspberries) have been shown to inhibit esophageal cancer.¹⁷ Further, hamster and rat studies conducted at Ohio State University showed blackberries inhibited tumor formation in the oral cavity¹⁸ and inhibited proliferation of colon cancer cells.¹⁹

The bilberry has been shown to be a good source of bioavailable quercetin, a beneficial antioxidant flavonoid.²¹ Further, bilberries may inhibit age-related macular degeneration of the eye.²² Through anecdotal evidence, bilberries are also thought to benefit eyes by improving night vision, according to Yousry Naguib, Ph.D., technical services/new product developer for Los Angeles-based Soft Gel Technologies Inc., which produces VmA25+, a 25 percent bilberry extract. The ophthalogical benefits of bilberries were first reported by World War II pilots who ate bilberry jam and experienced an improvement in visual acuity at night, faster adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare, Naguib said.

There are several European suppliers of bilberry extract. Switzerlands Linnea, for example, offers a 25 percent anthocyanoside bilberry extract, used to promote general capillary health and eye disorders. And Italys Indena offers MirtoSelect, a bilberry extract with 36 percent anthocyanosides, which has been studied for application in vascular disorders of the retina and in the management of chronic venous insufficiency.

There is a lack of clinical research investigating the bioavailability of anthocyanins in berries, said Greg Edmunds, vice president of marketing with Charles Bowman, the United States distributor of Antho 50, a bilberry extract formulated for 50 percent anthocyanins produced by Dublin, Ireland-based Mediolanum Pharmaceuticals. However, we now have data available on bilberries.

According to Edmunds, clinical evidence suggests bilberry anthocyanin glycosides are quickly and efficiently absorbed from the stomach and rapidly excreted into bile as intact and metabolized forms. The study he cited, published in the Journal of Nutrition in December 2003, was conducted on rats and used bilberry extract as Antho 50. Further, a French study slated for publication in the same publication in 2004 showed bilberry anthocyanins (as Antho 50) are also effectively absorbed from the small intestine.

The specific benefits of different types of berries can be delivered by combining them in formulation. For example, Benecia, Calif.-based InterHealth Nutraceuticals Inc. provides Optiberry, a patent-pending multiple-berry (wild blueberry, strawberry, cranberry, wild bilberry, elderberry and raspberry) anthocyanin extract formulated to combine the antioxidant and anti-angiogenic (inhibition of blood vessels important in the formation of tumors) qualities of various berries. A study conducted at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., showed an anthocyanin-rich berry extract formula (as Optiberry 1H141) exerted antiangiogenic, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.²³ Further, a study out of Ohio State University showed a multiple-berry extract (as Optiberry) that inhibited tumors developing in endothelial tissue also inhibited these tumor cells from forming hemangioma (blood vessel tumors).²⁴

According to Allondra Stevens, marketing services manager with InterHealth, a delivery challenge for berry ingredients includes maintenance of potency. In order to maintain potency, there are special processes being developed to ensure ORAC values are maintained while undergoing manufacturing processes, Stevens said.

Common delivery methods for berry ingredients include extracts; prepared fresh, dried frozen or shelf-stable foods; beverage mixes; dry baked goods and mixes; dairy products; capsules; and tablets, according to Tracy Sheehan, technical sales manager at Momence, Ill.-based Van Drunen Farms. For example, berries can be freeze-dried for inclusion in cereals, baking, trail mixes and confectionary; drum driedwhich entails grinding into a uniform puree then drying in a thin filmfor use in candies, baby foods and baking; infuseda delivery method which is achieved by infusing berries with sugar or glycerine to improve mouthfeel and shelf lifefor use in cereals and trail mixes, and extracts formulated for various concentrations. In addition, formulators should be aware that berry powders are hydroscopic (i.e., they readily absorb and retain water), which can pose challenges in formulation, Sheehan said.

Manufacturers have the opportunity to capitalize on the growing interest in berries and deliver the health benefits of these highly beneficial fruits in a range of tasty, functional, creative forms.