Nutraceutical, Nutrition & Health
Saskatoon Beries are a "Super Fruit". The word "Super Fruit" refers to antioxandant rich fruits. Saskatoon Berries naturally rich dark royal purple color comes from anthocyanins. Saskatoon Berries rank high in berries rich in anthocyanins with 562.4 mg / 100 g dry basis.
Antioxidant
There have been numerous studies and research on the nutritional values of high antioxidant content fruits that help to fight cancers and heart diseases. Consumers are looking for more natural and healthy fruits to add into their diet. One of the studies done by C.Hu, B.H.L. Kwok, and D.D Kitts shows Saskatoon Berries are good source of anthocyanins (Phytochemical Antioxidant)1 . Recent research indicates that Saskatoon berries have higher levels of antioxidants compared to other more common berries such as wild blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.
Antioxidants rich fruits may also have health contribution in heart diseases. Research showed anthocyanins from fruits "inhibits in vitro oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein" 2,3, and serving fruits rich in flavonoids compounds "has shown to be inversely related to coronary heart disease mortality" 4,5. Other studies and research have shown that anthocaynins rich fruits could help in reducing oxidative stress associated with aging 6,7.
Timing of antioxidants key to easing oxidative stress after meals.....
By Stephan Daniells - 04/12/2007
Consuming antioxidant-rich foods during meals reduces the oxidative stress associated with eating, says a new study that highlights the importance of timing for maximum health benefits.
Researchers from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) measured the blood antioxidant capacity (AOC) of subjects in a series of five clinical trials, and found that consumption of antioxidant-rich foods blunted oxidative stress after a meal of rich in carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
"We have demonstrated that consumption of certain berries and fruits such as blueberries, mixed grape and kiwifruit, was associated with increased plasma AOC in the postprandial state and consumption of an energy source of macronutrients containing no antioxidants was associated with a decline in plasma AOC," wrote lead author Ron Prior in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition."
Oxidative stress has been linked to an increased risk of various diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disease. A control meal, rich in the macronutrients - carbohydrates, protein and fat - consumed without antioxidants was found to result in a decrease of blood AOC, showing an increase in oxidative stress.
"It's not just what you eat but when you eat it that matters. Phytochemicals in foods have varying degrees of bioavailability and generally are cleared from the blood 2-4 hours after they're eaten," said Prior. "Ensuring that your body has a steady supply of antioxidant-rich foods can help combat oxidative stress throughout the day."
"It takes about 2.5 servings of antioxidant containing fruits and/or vegetables in a meal...to prevent oxidative stress following the meal. The more calories you take in the more dietary antioxidants you need," he added."
Nutrition and Health
From a nutritional perspective Saskatoon berries contain a very high source of fibre. A 3/4 cup (100gram) serving of frozen Saskatoon berries contain 6 grams of fibre or 24% of the daily requirement.
Unfortunately, not everyone understands how good the fibre helps our bodies to defend against certain diseases. Fibre contributes to reducing the risks of heart diseases, diverticular disease 8, and evidence now shows a possibility of defence against diabetes. "Studies found that high total dietary fiber intake was linked to 40 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, compared to a low fiber intake. Soluble fibre breaks down as it passes though the digestive tract, forming a gel that raps some substances related to high cholesterol. There is some evidence that soluble fibre may lessen heart disease risks by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. 9"
Benefit for those with diabetes. "Soluble fibre may help control blood sugar by delaying gastric (stomach) emptying, retarding the entry of glucose into the bloodstream and lessening the postprandial (post-meal) rise in blood sugar. It may lessen insulin requirements in those with type 1 diabetes. Because fibre slows the digestion of foods, it can help blunt the sudden spikes in blood glucose that may occur after a low-fibre meal.
Other Nutrients
Saskatoon berries just don't quit when it comes to health and nutrition. Saskatoon Berries are a source of 5 essential vitamins and minerals. Exploring the health benefits of Saskatoon berries today, is the one step forward reaching healthy lifestyle.
1 C. Hu, B.H.L. Kwok, D.D Kitts. (2005). Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) scavenge free radicals and inhibit intracellular oxidation. Food Research international 38: 1079-1085
2Heinonen, M., Lehtonen, P . J., and Hopia, A. (1998) Antioxidant activity of Berreis and fruit wines and liquors. J. Agric. Food Chem. 46, 25-31.
3Ozga, J. A., Saeed, A. and Reinecke, D. M. (2006). Anthocyanins and nutrient components of saskatoon fruits (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 86: 193–197.
4Hertog, M. G. L., Feskens, E. J. M., Hollman, P. C. H., Katan, M. B., and kromhout, D. (1993). Dietary antioxidant flavonoids and risk of coronary heart disease: The Zutpen elderry study. Lancet 342, 1007-1011.
5M. Murkovic, H. Toplak, U. Adam, and W. Pfannhauser, (2000). Analysis of anthocyanins in plasma for determination of their bioavailability. J. Food Composition and Analysis13, 291-296.
6Bagchi, D., Sen, C. K., Bagchi, M., and Atalay, M. (2004). Anti-angiogenic, antoxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties of a novel anthocyanin-rich Berreis extract formula. Biochemistry, V 69, No. 1, 75-80.
7Ames, B. M., Shigena, M. K., & Hagen, T. M. (1993). Oxidants, antioxidants and the degenerative diseases of aging. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 90, 7915–7922.
8Aldoori WH, Giovannucci EL, Rockett HR, Sampson L, Rimm EB, Willett WC. A prospective study of dietary fiber types and symptomatic diverticular disease in men. J Nutr 1998; 128:714-9.
9Rimm EB, Ascherio A, Giovannucci E, Spiegelman D, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. Vegetable, fruit, and cereal fiber intake and risk of coronary heart disease among men. JAMA 1996; 275:447-51.
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WHO WE ARE...
Prairie Berries Inc. is a Canadian based food company specializing in Saskatoon berries to offer this SuperFruit to customers around the world in a secure reliable manner. Our objective is to be the industry leader through our reputation for quality and integrity of the Saskatoon berry products.
Our philosophy at Prairie Berries Inc. is to work together with growers, suppliers, customers, and employees to develop long term cooperative alliances by which all parties find mutual benefit through the production, processing, and marketing of Saskatoon berries.
Contact:
Prairie Berries Inc.
Keeler, SK, Canada
S0H-2E0
Email: prairieberries@sasktel.net
