Edible Berries- An Update on Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits-Part I.

Purpose of review: This review delves comprehensively into the nutritional profiles and diverse biological activities of different berries. So far 19 different types of berries have been identified for human consumption and studied for their nutritional and biological activities. Among them, acai berry, blueberry, blackberry, black currant, boysenberry, and bilberry have been summarized in this review (Part I). These berries are reported to possess various biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-neurodegenerative, and antimicrobial properties. The key to these health-promoting effects lies in the rich array of bioactive compounds present in these berries, including flavonoids, phenolics, anthocyanins, tannins, stilbenes, and phenolic acids which makes these berries promising candidates as sources for functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals.

Recent findings: These berries are dense in various polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. These bioactive compounds have proven to exhibit various in-vitro and in-vivo biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, etc. The consumption of the above-mentioned berries particularly acai berry, blueberry, and boysenberry primarily reduces free radicals and inflammatory compounds thereby promoting a healthier life.