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["Brungardt, Sam" <Sam.Brungardt@state.mn.us>]

Title: If you only eat one fruit, make it a berry (The Scotsman)

from The Scotsman (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Tues., 29. Jun 2004

If you only eat one fruit, make it a berry

by ANASTASIA STEPHENS

RESEARCH is revealing that summer berries have powerful and unexpected health benefits. Some berries will help you stave off wrinkles and broken veins; others can boost fertility, help you fight a cold and even avoid hayfever. So which berries do you need to keep your body at its very best?

THE FERTILITY BERRY

Strawberries: Grab a punnet or two for a surefire boost to your fertility and sex life.  Strawberries, or rather the seeds covering them, are rich in zinc.  "Women’s bodies prepare for sex more quickly when zinc levels are high," says Patrick Holford, founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition.  "As for men, the nutrient governs testosterone, needed for sex drive and sperm production.  But it needs to be replenished regularly; if a man has sex just three times in 24 hours, his entire zinc supply can be depleted."

Strawberries have twice the concentration of vitamin C found in oranges, and their sugar is slowly released, providing sustained energy levels - for only a few calories.

THE BEAUTY BERRY

Blackberries: If you want peachy smooth skin free of unsightly thread-veins, grab a handful of blackberries.  Anthocyanidins, the pigments giving these berries their colour, target capillaries, veins and skin membranes.

Patrick Holford says they act as strong antioxidants to combat aging effects, such as collagen breakdown.  US trials have found that blackberries, taken in supplement form, reduce the amount of broken capillaries appearing beneath the skin.  In large enough quantities, they can also help varicose veins to heal.

THE CYSTITIS BERRY

Cranberries: The king of berries - for fighting urinary tract infection.  Recent studies show that molecules in cranberries stop bacteria sticking to the bladder and urinary tract.  Taken as supplements or as juice, cranberries can prevent and treat urinary infection - in one study, supplements decreased the pains of cystitis by almost half.  Look for unsweetened juice or dried cranberries in health food shops.

THE EYE BERRY

Bilberries: In the last war, RAF pilots ate bilberry jam before night missions to improve their vision. Research now shows the combination of anthocyanosides and vitamins A and C in these berries improve circulation to the eye and help production of retinal purple, a pigment needed for good eyesight.  The berries help fight eye disease too.

Clinical research has confirmed these berries can slow progress of degenerative eye diseases.  They may also help prevent the onset of cataracts and acute macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness.

THE ALLERGY BERRY

Raspberries: If summer leaves you sneezing and wheezing, a daily portion of raspberries could help reduce symptoms.  Every 100g of raspberries contain 12mg of quercetin, a plant molecule that acts as an antihistamine.  Strawberries also contain high levels of flavonoids, anti-inflammatory molecules which calm swelling in allergic reactions.

THE HEART BERRY

Hawthorn: Used for heart ailments for centuries, hawthorn is now licensed in Germany as a medicine for heart disease and high blood pressure.  The leaves and berries contain molecules which work together to increase the force of contraction of the heart.

THE IMMUNE BERRY

Elderberry: In medieval times, elderberries were given to ease flu symptoms, colds, and sinus problems. Researchers studying Sambucol (an elderberry formulation) have confirmed its benefits.  In one study, 93 per cent of flu patients given Sambucol were symptom-free in two days.  And trials show the berries are good at halting viruses responsible for colds and flu - if taken early , around half of cases can be avoided being infected.  Sambucol is available from health food shops; otherwise pick the berries in autumn, soak, strain the juice and reduce into a syrup.  Take one teaspoon at first sign of a viral infection.