Science

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through dietary sources. It plays a crucial role in several important bodily functions and has several permitted health claims:

• Protection against Oxidative Stress: Vitamin C helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which is caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals.
• Immune System Support: Vitamin C aids in the normal functioning of the immune system, which is responsible for defending the body against infections and illnesses.
• Nervous System Function: Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
• Collagen Formation and Blood Vessel Function: Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that plays a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of blood vessels, promoting their normal function.
• Energy Metabolism: Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, which is the process by which the body converts food into energy.

By including foods rich in Vitamin C in your diet, you can ensure the availability of this vital nutrient and support various aspects of your overall health and well-being.

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are natural substances present in certain foods that assist our bodies in combating the damaging effects caused by chemicals known as free radicals.

Free radicals are produced as a result of normal biological processes taking place within our cells. When the balance between free radicals and antioxidants becomes disrupted oxidative stress can harm our cells, potentially leading to chronic diseases.

However, incorporating antioxidants into our diet can help fight this stress and promote overall well-being

Supercharge Your Diet with Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Colorful berries, fruits, and vegetables are fantastic sources of antioxidants. Boost your intake by adding nuts, seeds, and wholegrains to your diet. These nutrient-packed options will support your body’s defense against oxidative stress and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Researchers have examined the antioxidant levels of Haskap berries compared to other fruits, revealing an astounding discovery. These berries contain up to three times the antioxidants of blueberries and surpass many other fruits.

Haskap berries owe their exceptional antioxidant content to their unique double purple-blue skin, which is rich in these health-boosting compounds. Graph below, showcasing their impressive profile when measured using the FRAP method. Embrace the Haskap berry and revolutionize your well-being today.

Anthocyanins in food are natural plant pigments that provide fruits and vegetables with vibrant purple, blue, and red hues.

Haskap berries, unlike blueberries, contain a significantly higher amount of anthocyanins, up to four times more.

Haskap berries have a distinct anthocyanin composition, primarily composed of a specific type called cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), which accounts for approximately 85% of the total anthocyanin content.

The accompanying image demonstrates the contrast between the green flesh of a blueberry and the deep crimson flesh of a Haskap berry. It is the combination of blue skin and juicy red flesh that contributes to the abundant anthocyanin content found in Haskaps.

Inflammation is characterized by redness, joint pain, loss of function, stiffness, heat, and fever.

Haskap berries have been found to possess remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that extracts from these berries can effectively reduce the production of pro-inflammatory substances in the body, comparable to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. The key compound responsible for these effects is cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), which has shown to suppress inflammation and alleviate symptoms in various conditions such as arthritis and hepatic inflammation. Including Haskap berries in your diet or exploring their extracts may provide a natural and effective way to combat inflammation and promote overall well-being.

C3G to cross the blood-brain barrier makes it a promising compound for neuroprotection. Including Haskap berries in your diet may provide neuroprotective benefits.

Several studies suggest a strong connection between consuming fruits and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Haskap berries, in folk medicine, are believed to lower blood pressure, making it important to explore their potential role in protecting the heart.. Research has shown that consuming Haskap berries lowers post-meal levels of triglycerides and glucose in rats.

Haskap extracts inhibit enzymes that contribute to high blood sugar levels. The key compound in haskap, called C3G, has shown benefits like improving cholesterol levels and reducing insulin resistance in animal studies. It also improves blood vessel function by increasing nitric oxide production. However, more research is needed to understand the direct effects of consuming Haskap berries on heart health in humans.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health concern, affecting millions of people. Haskap berries, rich in a compound called C3G, show promise in managing T2D. They inhibit enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, controlling blood sugar levels. C3G also stimulates insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity. Additionally, it can inhibit DPP-4, a protein that regulates insulin release. These findings suggest that Haskap berries could be a beneficial addition to T2D management.

Scientific research suggests that Haskap berries and their compound C3G have beneficial effects in preventing and treating cancer. In laboratory studies (in vitro), Haskap extracts and C3G have shown to protect DNA from damage caused by carcinogens and oxidative stress. They activate pathways that repair DNA, arrest cell cycle, and induce cancer cell death (apoptosis). Haskap extracts have also been found to reduce DNA damage caused by radiation and inhibit the growth and migration of cancer cells. In animal studies (in vivo), dietary supplementation and administration of C3G and Haskap extracts have demonstrated the ability to suppress carcinogenesis, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. These findings highlight the potential of Haskap berries and C3G as natural agents in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Haskap, a fruit rich in polyphenols, has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria while not affecting beneficial ones. It also exhibits protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and shows promise in improving thyroid health. These findings suggest that Haskap could be used as a natural antimicrobial agent in food processing and may have various health benefits.