There is a wide range of berries growing in Australia such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, boysenberries, logan berries, as well as red and black currants. The nutritional and medicinal properties of blueberries are probably best known to the consumer although all berries have equal health benefits.

Red Currant.  Photography by Danuta Hulajko.

Antioxidant Properties of Berries

Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all commonly consumed fruits and vegetables due to its flavonoid content. Flavonoids are a group of plant metabolites thought to provide health benefits through cell signalling pathways and antioxidant effects.

Thus a diet rich in any berries has applications in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions such as lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, anticancer, chronic venous insufficiency and many more health conditions.

Raspberries.  Photography by Danuta Hulajko.

Weight Loss, Diabetes and Berries

Berries are low in sugar, packed with vitamins such as A, C, Folic acid, minerals such as calcium, sodium and iron. They contain phytochemicals such as resveratrol, gallic acid, and beta carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) flavonoids like quercetin and plenty of fibre.

The latter classifies berries as food with a low glycemic index.  This means that berries are not only great for weight loss but also in diabetes and its complications. Red raspberry ketones are currently being used in Japan as a weight loss supplement in a pill form and as an external patch.

Anti-aging Properties of Berries

All phytonutrients in berries contribute to its antiaging properties via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant (DNA protective) and cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. In one study participants had consumed between 2 and 2-1/2 cups of blueberries per day. The results suggested that blueberries might turn out to be beneficial not only for improvement of memory, but for slowing down or postponing the onset of other cognitive problems frequently associated with ageing.

Eye Conditions and Berries

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties berries have been beneficial in eye health. 55-115 grams of fresh blueberries three times a day is considered to have the same therapeutic effect as blueberry tinctures at the therapeutic dose. Therefore, blueberries are used widely by herbalists and naturopaths in the treatment of many conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, impaired night vision, retinopathy (diabetic and vascular), glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration.

Black Currants.  Photography by Danuta Hulajko.

Other Health Benefits of Berries

Berries are beneficial in cancer prevention, stomach ulcers, arthritis, venous blood stagnation, diarrhoea, inflammatory and cardiovascular disorders including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and reduce the risk of a heart attack.

As berries are concerned for consumption, any quantity is safe to eat.

If you would like to restore your health and vitality, call us now on (02) 9541 2428 to book your free 15 minute phone consultation.

Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in Sydney.

Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.

For more information please go to our website. You can also follow Danuta Hulajko’s work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on FacebookLinkedIn and Instagram.

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