About Superfood Berries ~Nutritionist's Column Vol.15~

Berries as Superfoods

With the onset of spring, spring-colored fashion and sweets are trending.

Due to the influence of the coronavirus, it seems that the number of parfaits available for takeout is increasing so that people can enjoy their time at home.
Sweet and sour berry parfaits and desserts are not only cute to look at, but also delicious.

The appeal of berries is that they are not only delicious, but also contain nutrients that can have health and beauty benefits.
This time, I would like to write about black currant and maqui berry, which are known as superfoods.

What are Superfoods?

"Superfoods" are foods that have long been believed to have health benefits and promote longevity around the world.

In recent years, these foods have been found to be highly nutritious and have the potential to have health and beauty benefits.
"Superfoods" are packed with the power of food that will make you healthy when you eat them; they are not just nutritional supplements; they are also said to be able to make your mood brighter and more positive.

What to expect from Cassis

Native to Northern Europe, this fruit has a fruity acidity and sweetness, a rich aroma, and an attractive vivid red-purple and black color.
Blackcurrants are also used in the liqueur CAMPARI, which is used to make sweets, desserts, juices, and "blackcurrant orange."

"Cassis" is French, but in English it means "blackcurrant."
In Japan, it has long been known as "black currant."

In Japan, cultivation is centered in Aomori City and has spread throughout the country.
It is called the "king of berries" because of its rich nutritional value, including vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, and has long been used as a health food in Europe.

The nature of its function has gradually been elucidated in recent years.
In particular, the functionality of the anthocyanins unique to blackcurrants has attracted attention, and new research is being conducted into their effects on improving blood flow, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, and relieving muscle pain. Expectations are high for blackcurrants in areas such as cold prevention, internal and external beauty, and sports nutrition.

The blackcurrants used in GRØN's Criollo Berries protein blend are organic and sourced from New Zealand.
Compared to European blackcurrants, it contains 1.8 times the anthocyanins and is loved by many athletes.

Below is a summary of the effects you can expect.

*Youthful eyes
With the increasing use of smartphones and computers, many people are experiencing eye strain.
Blackcurrants are attracting attention for their many eye benefits that are not found in other berries, such as relieving eye fatigue and possibly preventing myopia.

*Improvement of dark circles under the eyes
When fatigue or stress causes a lack of oxygen, the blood turns dark red and the dermis and subcutaneous tissue also become dark in color.
This causes the dark color to show through where the skin is thin under the eyes, appearing as dark circles under the eyes.
By improving blood flow through consumption of blackcurrant, the skin and subcutaneous tissue under the eyes may appear toned, making dark circles less noticeable.

*Improved resistance
It is said that when you are exposed to stress, your body rapidly consumes vitamin C.
When vitamin C is depleted, the body's resistance weakens and it becomes easier to catch a cold.
Therefore, it is important to take in vitamin C regularly to strengthen your immune system.
Blackcurrant is rich in vitamin C and has been used as a remedy for colds.
Increase your resistance and make your body more resistant to colds and viruses.

*Recovery from fatigue after exercise
It seems that "cassis anthocyanins" have a very positive effect on recovering from muscle damage and fatigue.
Research institutes around the world have published actual research results showing that it reduces muscle fatigue and promotes muscle recovery.

* Improves sensitivity to cold and stiff shoulders
Even in warmer seasons, some people suffer from cold hands and feet.
It is said that "cassis anthocyanin" has the effect of improving blood flow in peripheral blood vessels.
Blood is delivered to cells throughout the body through the peripheral blood vessels.
It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the entire body and also helps maintain body temperature.
By ensuring sufficient blood flow, it helps improve shoulder stiffness and sensitivity to cold.

What to expect from maqui berry

The fruit grows on the maqui plant, a member of the Polyporaceae family that grows wild in the Patagonia region of southern Chile in South America.
It is a rare plant that is rarely cultivated artificially.

The maqui berries contained in GRØN's Criollo Berries protein blend are also native to Chile in South America.

It bears deep purple fruit and is rich in anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant, as well as vitamins A and C, minerals, iron, potassium, and more.
In the past, indigenous peoples of Chile used maqui berry as a fever reducer, pain reliever, and tonic.

Nowadays, it is eaten in a variety of ways, such as adding jam to yogurt or smoothies.
Maqui berry is also known as the king of superfruits because of its high nutritional value. What kind of effects can we expect from it?

*For eye care and anti-aging care
Harmful active oxygen caused by stress, ultraviolet rays, air pollution, etc. can damage cells, accelerate aging, and have a negative effect on the immune system.
Anthocyanin removes the active oxygen.
Maqui berry contains a high proportion of delphinidin, an anthocyanin with a strong antioxidant effect.

*To prevent anemia, treat anemia with symptoms such as "easily tired," "feeling lethargic, dizzy," "heavy head, difficulty getting up in the morning."
For those who suffer from anemia, we recommend treating it with maqui berry, which is rich in iron.

*For beautiful skin <br data-mce-fragment="1">Photoaging, which causes blemishes, wrinkles, dryness, and other skin problems due to ultraviolet rays.
Take care of your skin from the inside out by consuming anthocyanin, an antioxidant that prevents your skin from oxidizing (rusting).

*For a slimmer body <br data-mce-fragment="1">Maqui berry is thought to be useful in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity because it suppresses sugar synthesis and promotes energy conversion.

*Inhibitory effect on inflammation <br data-mce-fragment="1">Research has shown that it can suppress the increase of the enzyme COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2), which dilates blood vessels and causes inflammation.

The blackcurrant and maqui berry that we introduced are excellent berries packed with nutrients.
Why not try adding it to your diet as a way to care for your future self?

<GRØN products that have appeared>

Protein Blend Criollo Berries 20g

——————————————————
Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industrialization Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara

A nutritional advisor in the healthcare field and an agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities specializing in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.

With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which opens outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in the promotion of local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, training planning and management, etc. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate them more effectively into consumer health.

——————————————————