Berry Essentials By IVL Institute for Vibrant Living Overview & Drug Interactions

Wild cherry (Prunus serotina), also known as black cherry, is a type of tree that is native to North America. The bark, leaves, and fruit of the wild cherry tree have been used for medicinal purposes to treat a range of conditions, primarily respiratory conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. Wild cherry has also been used as a natural remedy for digestive problems, such as diarrhea and upset stomach.

Black raspberry, a dark and flavorful fruit, is renowned for its potential health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this fruit is believed to have protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies suggest that its compounds might play a role in promoting heart health, supporting immune function, and even contributing to cancer prevention. While more research is needed to fully understand its specific impacts, black raspberries are gaining attention for their potential positive impact on overall well-being.

Cabbage is a leafy, green vegetable that belongs to the Cruciferae family, which also includes broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. There are several different varieties of cabbage, including green, red, and Napa (Chinese) cabbage, which vary in size, shape, and color. Cabbage is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and contains antioxidants. It is consumed as a low-calorie health food. It has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory effects and for certain conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders and breast engorgement.

Beetroot is a type of root vegetable belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. It is commonly consumed as a food and utilized as a dietary supplement. Beetroot supplements are purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide, improving exercise performance, and reducing inflammation. Dietary supplements containing beetroot are generally in powdered form, and are sometimes standardized by their nitrate content.

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia. It produces small, edible berries known for their sweet-tart flavor and deep purple color. They are often used in a variety of culinary applications and are a popular flavoring agent. Black currants are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and several other nutrients. They are also believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation. In addition to the whole fruit, black currant seeds are often utilized for dietary supplements and are sometimes marketed as 'black currant seed oil', which contain a high amount of GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid.

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a type of fruit native to China that grows on the goji (Lycium barbarum) shrub. Goji berries have a sweet, slightly sour taste and are often used in dried form as a snack or added to cereals, yogurt, and other dishes. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are purported to have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-aging properties. They are also a good source of protein and fiber. Dietary supplements containing goji are sometimes standardized for their polysaccharide content.

Cranberries are a type of small, tart berry native to North America. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which are substances that help to protect cells from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients. Cranberry dietary supplements contain concentrated cranberry extract or powdered cranberry fruit. They are often used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), as cranberries are thought to have certain compounds that may help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit known for its sweet, tangy flavor and deep purple rind. It is revered for its potential health benefits due to its rich content of antioxidants and nutrients. In dietary supplements, mangosteen is often marketed for its alleged anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, though scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and further research is needed.

Acerola, also known as the Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry, is a small, red fruit that is native to Central and South America. The fruit is known for its high levels of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Acerola is commonly used as a supplement to increase vitamin C intake and it is available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and powders. It is also often found in juice, jams, and other food products.

Bilberry is a small, perennial shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family and is native to Europe, the northern United States, and Canada. It is known for its small, dark purple berries, which are similar in appearance to blueberries. The name bilberry is derived from the Danish word 'bollebar', meaning "dark berry". Bilberry is high in antioxidants, including flavonoids, and are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and manganese. Bilberry has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is claimed to have a number of potential health benefits, including improving vision, reducing inflammation, and treating diarrhea.

Bananas are rich in starch, fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, and carbohydrates, mainly glucose, fructose, and sucrose. They also contain catecholamines, phytosterols, and carotenoids, with higher levels of carotenoids in more colored varieties. Bananas have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, and they are used traditionally for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and gastric ulcers. They are also used to aid in weight loss and have been shown to have hypotensive and immune-boosting effects in research settings.

Grapes are widely grown and cultivated for a variety of uses such as for food and beverage making (e.g., wine). They also have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The fruit and skin of grapes contain various compounds that are believed to have health benefits, including antioxidants such as resveratrol and flavonoids. These compounds may help to protect cells from damage and are purported to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Grapes and grape products may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body and potentially improve symptoms of certain conditions. Grape seed extracts are also commonly used as a dietary supplement and are often standardized according to the content of polyphenols or proanthocyanidins.

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is native to Asia and is widely consumed throughout the world. Green tea has a mild, slightly grassy flavor and is typically lighter in color and less astringent than black tea. Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants, particularly a group of compounds called catechins. These antioxidants are thought to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Green tea is also a good source of other nutrients, including vitamin C and several B vitamins. Green tea is often consumed for a number of purported health benefits including reducing the risk of heart disease, immune-stimulating effects, and weight loss. Oral green tea supplements, containing dried powder, are most often utilized for the caffeine content and used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.