Forget Goji and Acai—there’s a better berry in town

Some of the best superfoods are berries. And it’s no wonder…

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health tested the effects of antioxidant intake on about 130,000 participants over a 20- to 22-year period and found that those who ate a lot of berries — which contain anthocyanins — lowered their risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

And the more glamorous berries have gotten the most attention. Goji, Acerola and Acai are strong contenders and all contain high amounts of potent antioxidants, known for decreasing or reversing the effects of free radicals — natural byproducts that can play havoc on the body and that are closely linked with heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke or respiratory diseases.

Now, the cousin of an American favorite is getting a lot of attention…

A recent study from the University of Agriculture in Krakow (Poland), has shown that the black raspberry, grown in Central Europe, has even greater health benefits than its better known cousins — raspberries or blackberries.

A group of researchers led by Anna Małgorzata Kostecka-Gugała measured the content of phenolics and anthocyanins in black raspberries, red raspberries and blackberries, assessing their antioxidant potential and health benefits.

It turns out that the amount of antioxidants in black raspberries was three times higher than the other fruits under investigation. Remarkably, the number was even higher for phenolics or the amount of anthocyanines — with black raspberries topping their humble cousins by over 1000%.

That’s huge! In research trials, anthocyanins have demonstrated the ability to reduce cancer cell proliferation (growth/multiplication) and to inhibit tumor formation. ^[1]

So if you’re not already snacking on delicious berries, you should be — even better, get your hands on this European superstar. Something tells me, after this news gets out, you may find them at a grocer near you in the states.

[1] Pennington Nutrition Series: Anthocyanins — Pennington Biomedical Research Center