Sunday, September 6, 2009

Berries can protect against oxidative damage

The Facts:

* Extracts from boysenberries and blackcurrants were tested to see whether they were effective at preventing damage to human cells.
* The berry extracts were found to protect the cells against oxidative damage which is a key part of many diseases.
* Blackcurrant extract provided more protection than boysenberries although both berries may offer health benefits.

Shaun’s comment: The same berries that are used to make the popular drink Ribena were tested in this study. Oxidative damage is thought to be a factor in a multitude of diseases, and the fact that this was reduced by these berries adds weight to their claims to be “superfoods”. Caution is needed as the results from this laboratory-based work may not necessarily translate into health benefits, although this would appear likely.

Study reference:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.2409

No comments:

Post a Comment