New Discovered Berries Pack a Powerful Health Punch

Ligonberry, Wolfberry and Acai berry may not be household names in North America, but the health benefits linked to these new superfoods are picking up momentum because of their rich antioxidant.

Vancouver, British Columbia (PRWEB) November 30, 2006 -- Lingonberry, wolfberry ("goji") and açaí berry. They're not household names in North America, but the health benefits linked to these new "superfoods" are picking up momentum.

The lingonberry is a member of the cranberry family, and has a tart taste that's more popular in Europe as a jam or tea. The wolfberry has been described as having exceptional nutritional qualities that make it one of the most nutrient-rich plant foods on Earth. And the açaí berry, a dark purple fruit common in areas of the Amazon River, have been praised for their potential cancer-fighting effects.

I believe the berry market will remain about the same as it is now. … The steps for economic infrastructure -- from refined cultivating and automated harvesting methods to varied product expansion and public appeal -- are so efficient for the 'Big 3' that it's difficult to foresee them being challenged by rarer berries.

Açaí berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants

This study was an important first step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with berries.

The wolfberry has potential for worldwide distribution

While these berries have shown promising results in health studies, will they ever rival the Big 3 -cranberries, blueberries strawberries -- in popularity? "It's not likely," said Dr. Paul Gross, founder of Berry Health Inc., which produces supplement drinks that include a multitude of nutritious berries. "I believe the berry market will remain about the same as it is now. … The steps for economic infrastructure -- from refined cultivating and automated harvesting methods to varied product expansion and public appeal -- are so efficient for the 'Big 3' that it's difficult to foresee them being challenged by rarer berries."

The lesser-known berries do face distribution and cultivation challenges, but their antioxidant potency and potential as cancer-fighting agents will make the lingonberry, wolfberry and açaí berry major players in the health-food market. The açaí berry, in fact, was part of a recent University of Florida study that showed the fruit's antioxidants destroyed cultured human cancer cells.

"Açaí berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants," wrote Dr. Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with the University's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. "This study was an important first step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with berries."

The wolfberry, meanwhile, has played a major role in traditional Chinese medicine, with reported benefits of improved eyesight, protection of the liver and boosting the immune system.

"The wolfberry has potential for worldwide distribution," said Dr. Gross. "Its reputation as a whole health food is growing, and it is farmed mainly in China, whose export economy is rapidly improving and scientific interest is increasing. Two inhibiting factors against its acceptance in large western markets, however, are that it is uncommon enough that many will ignore it and that it has a unique tomato plus nut flavor and orange-red color considered by some as too odd for a berry."

And Dr. Gross knows about berries. As one of the co-founders of the International Berry Health Association, Dr. Gross used his expertise to create berry-based products that pack the goodness of berries into two great-tasting supplements. The daily supplement, which can be purchased in the United States and Canada at www.Berrywiseinc.com, has nine berries, 12 essential vitamins, nine minerals, four fibers and is an outstanding source of antioxidants. Dr. Gross's free CD on antioxidants and health can also be found at www.berrywiseonline.com.
      
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