Berries: Improving Human Health and Healthy Aging, and Promoting Quality Life—A Review

Abstract

The importance of the diet in relation to human health has increased the interest of consumers on nutraceuticals rich foods, and especially on fruits and vegetables. Berries are rich sources of a wide variety of antioxidant phenolics; these phytochemicals include flavonoids, stilbenes, tannins, and phenolic acids. Reactive oxidant species and free radicals are produced in an extensive range of physiological processes. In addition to the antioxidant defenses produced in the body, there are exogenous sources supplied by the diet; this is the case of berry fruits, among others. The insufficiency of antioxidant defense mechanisms is associated to the pathology of chronic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and diabetes. Therefore, the enforcement of the latter mechanisms is of the utmost importance. The isolation and characterization of compounds that may delay the onset of aging is receiving intense research attention; some berry phenolics are being associated with this functional performance. Berry phenolics may also act as antimicrobials which may be of help in the control of the wild spectra of pathogens, in view of recent problems associated with antibiotic resistance. Most of the research works on the antioxidant activity of bioactive constituents of berries has been carried out using in vitro assays. In view of this, the human studies investigating the bioavailability and potential toxicity of phenolics are receiving more attention. Finally, we would like to emphasize the necessity of associating new plant breeding and genetic studies of berries with the expression and overexpression of compounds for human health and healthy aging.

Application of pulsed electric field in the production of juice and extraction of bioactive compounds from blueberry fruits and their by-products

“…TP and TAC of extracts obtained from the press cake of PEF pre-treated blueberries In fresh berries, the anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds are found mainly in the cell vacuoles of the fruit skins rather than in the fruit flesh (Paredes-Lopez et al 2010). As blueberry press cake is mainly composed of berry skins, it is likely that it still retains high amounts of anthocyanins and other phenolics (Khanal et al 2010).…”

“…The dietary intake of berry fruits has been demonstrated to positively impact human health (Paredes-Lopez et al 2010). Various biological properties of berry fruits have been largely related to the fruits' high levels and wide diversity of phenolic-type phytochemicals (Paredes-Lopez et al 2010).…”

“…Various biological properties of berry fruits have been largely related to the fruits' high levels and wide diversity of phenolic-type phytochemicals (Paredes-Lopez et al 2010). The blueberry is an important source of many traditional nutrients such as vitamins and minerals (Barba et al 2012).…”

Antioxidant Properties of Rajgira (Amaranthus paniculatus) Leaves and Potential Synergy in Chemoprevention

“…Antioxidant containing foods or natural antioxidants may be used as effective substances for the prevention of diseases of higher age (Paredes-Lopez et al, 2010). Adequate amounts of phenolics, flavonoids and ascorbic acid found in the leaves of A. paniculatus (Linn.)…”

Ginseng Berry, a Promising Anti-Aging Strategy: Recent Opinions on the Biological Effects of a Traditional Korean Ingredient

“…Whereas berries are known as a good source of potassium or fiber, recent studies suggest that berry fruits are a rich source of many phytochemicals that have a broad spectrum of bioactivity and a positive impact on general health. Several berry fruits, including blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, have recently received attention as a result of their effects in vitro and their associations with lowered risks for some chronic diseases, which were found in recent observational research [11,12]. As a perennial herb, ginseng develops flowers and fruits that bloom in its third and fourth year.…”