Saskatoon berries are an exciting berry that has a similar look to blueberries. They are a small, round bluish purple berry that grows on trees that can reach as tall as 15 feet high and are native to the Canadian Prairies, Northern Canada, British Columbia, the Northwestern, North Central United States and Alaska.
The nutritional content of a 100 gram serving of Saskatoon berries is 85 calories, 1.3 grams of protein, 18.5 grams of carbohydrates, 88 mg of calcium, 5.93 grams of fiber, 3.55 mg of vitamin C, 0.96 mg of iron, 162 mg of potassium, and 35.68 IU vitamin A. It should be noted that Saskatoon berries provide 11 percent of the daily recommended intake of calcium, which is quite an achievement for a berry!
It is believed that Native Americans used the Saskatoon berries for medicinal purposes. Today, Saskatoon berries are highly praised for their antioxidant content, specifically phenolics, flavonols and anthocyanins. Flavonoids are antioxidants that may have inflammatory, anti-diabetic and chemo-protective effects.
Saskatoon berries have a higher level of anthocyanins than most berries. Studies show that the anthocyanins found in berries may have health benefits such as anti-inflammatory qualities and reducing age-associated oxidative stress. Anthocyanin antioxidants found in berries may also improve cardiovascular disorders and degenerative diseases, as well as improve neuronal and cognitive brain functions, ocular health as well as protect genomic DNA integrity. A 2007 study showed that Saskatoon berries may be beneficial for fruit growers as well as nutraceutical manufacturers because of their high anthocyanin content. Overall, berry anthocyanins may promote disease prevention by triggering genetic signaling in humans.
Perhaps the most important part of the Saskatoon berry that sets it apart from other berries is its ability to be successful in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, as well as ischemic diseases and aging effects. This is because the anthocyanins in berries are special and contain anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-proliferative properties. These qualities are especially important in brain health as oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. As we get older, the brain is more susceptible to oxidative stress and tissue damage than any other organ. The anthocyanins found in Saskatoon berries have been shown to protect against brain damage and improve memory, learning and cognitive function.
Deana Steele is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Digestion Specialist trained by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. She believes that optimum health begins with a properly functioning digestive system. Her philosophy is to empower her clients with the knowledge to improve their overall health through optimum digestive function, lifestyle and superior nutrition. Find more great digestive support at www.deanasteele.com
This information is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner prior to making any changes.
References:
Essa, M., Al-Adawi, S., Memon, M., Manivasagam, T., Akbar, M., & Subash, S. (2014). Neuroprotective effects of berry fruits on neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regeneration Research Neural Regen Res, 1557-1557.
Hosseinian, F., & Beta, T. (2007). Saskatoon and Wild Blueberries Have Higher Anthocyanin Contents than Other Manitoba Berries. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry J. Agric. Food Chem., 10832-10838.
Juríková, T., Balla, S., Sochor, J., Pohanka, M., Mlcek, J., & Baron, M. (2013). Flavonoid Profile of Saskatoon Berries (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) and Their Health Promoting Effects. Molecules, 12571-12586.
Li, R., Hettiarachchy, N., Rayaprolu, S., Eswaranandam, S., Howe, B., Davis, M., & Jha, A. (2014). Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity of Saskatoon Berry ( Amelanchier alnifolia ) Pomace Extract. Journal of Medicinal Food, 384-392.
Zafra-Stone, S., Yasmin, T., Bagchi, M., Chatterjee, A., Vinson, J., & Bagchi, D. (2007). Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research Mol. Nutr. Food Res., 675-683.
