Research

Bilberries have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk reduction

Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are recognized as a good source of anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, alpha-linolenic acid, pterostilbene, and vitamins. Recent studies have shown the benefit of consuming bilberries to prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and anti-inflammation.

Evaluation of bilberry and cowberry yield models

Forest owners and stakeholders need increased amounts of information about forests to support decision making. Besides timber, many forest owners also value forest products and services such as berries, mushrooms, biodiversity, recreation and carbon sequestration. Nowadays forest planning can consider simultaneously several forest products and services. This kind of forest planning requires numerical models to predict the development of different ecosystem services, such as berry yields.

Cloudberry reduces tumor growth and cancer cell motility

Colorectal cancers are leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Western societies. New methods to prevent and treat colorectal cancer are therefore required. Berries contain anti-carcinogenic compounds and provide protection against colon tumorigenesis in experimental animal models. However, the mechanistic basis for their effects is not well understood.

Higher intakes of anthocyanins and flavanones are associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarct

Earlier studies have shown that dietary fruit and berry intake may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. However, more studies are needed to find out that which fruits and berries are most beneficial, and which key constituents are responsible for the health benefits. Recent studies have suggested beneficial effects of higher intakes of specific fruits, including blueberries and grapes, for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, flavonoids seem to be improving endothelian function, blood pressure and insulin sensitivity. Therefore, flavonoids might be key constituents of fruits and berries that decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Most of the studies that have examined the associations between flavonoids and cardiovascular disease have focused on women. Thus, this study was concentrating on men.

Flavonoid intakes linked to lower depression risk for women

Depression is globally a major cause of disability. Although many patients respond favourably to treatment, residual symptoms and dysfunction from depression are common, especially among older adults. Therefore, scientists are looking for effective depression prevention strategies.

Association between an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant dietary pattern and diabetes

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a central role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. However, little is known of how various dietary components interact to influence this inflammatory and anti-oxidant process and the development of diabetes. Most of the studies have focused on assessing individual nutrients or foods in relation to diabetes risk, while it would be important to study the relationship between dietary patterns and diabetes. This study investigated the association between an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant dietary pattern and diabetes.

Quercetin in berries reduces blood pressure

Quercetin is a flavonol that is classified as an antioxidant and has natural antihistamine properties. Many wild berries, such as bog whortleberry, cranberry and sea buckthorn berry, contain high amounts of quercetin.

Impact of cranberries on gut microbiota and cardiometabolic health

Cranberry is so much more than just a tart and tangy fruit! New review article summarises the advances in the cranberry field during the last five years with regard to the gut microbiota and cardiometabolic health.

Cranberry flavonoids block bacterial adhesion

American scientists have revealed new impacts of cranberry juice on bacterial infections. The results open up new, interesting possibilities for antibiotic drug development.

Protective effect of sea buckthorn against visible light-induced retinal degeneration

Retina is the light-sensitive, inner layer of the eye. The retina is particularly susceptible to surrounding light injury and is thus a primary target of photooxidative damage in the eye. Several studies have suggested that photooxidative damage contributes to the onset and the progression of age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of visual impairment in elderly patients.

European consumers favour fruits, berries and vegetables as healthy food

The new research, carried out in 2015, explored the attitudes of consumers towards healthy eating. More than 2 500 adults were interviewed in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK).

Ellagitannins in cancer chemoprevention

Cancer still represents the second leading cause of death, after heart diseases. It is estimated that in the next 15 years the number of new cancer cases will increase by 70%. Therefore, new innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies to contrast cancer-associated mortality are needed.

Metabolism of polyphenols from dietary exposure to urinary metabolites

Prescribed fire and retention forestry enhances pollination services for bilberry and lingonberry