What Else Do Berries Have? Berries also contain many beneficial micronutrients including vitamin C and vitamin E, calcium and folic acid. In addition, berries are an excellent source of dietary fiber (mostly a soluble fiber called pectin). Fiber helps to normalize cholesterol levels. It reduces risk of colon cancer and has been shown to have a favorable effect on postprandial glucose levels (blood sugar levels after eating). Fiber is essential to maintain a healthy digestive tract and is an important health-promoting component missing in many American diets. Whether there are health concerns with diarrhea or constipation, poor digestion or intestinal gas, fiber supports a healthy digestive tract and will help to promote and maintain a healthy system. Basic Berry Nutrition Berries are not only sources of concentrated flavor, but little packets of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For example, a cup of sliced strawberries contains a whole day's requirement for Vitamin C. A cup of blackberries contain a day's worth of manganese, while the same amount of raspberries supplies a third of our daily niacin needs. Blueberries and strawberries are even surprisingly good sources of Vitamin E. And they all contain between 4 and 9 grams of fiber per cup. Antioxidants - We set the record straight. Antioxidants are a hot topic in today's food industry but conflicting information has led to some confusion, so we're going to give you the facts. In 2004 the Join-Hill of Agricultural and food Chemistry published a study confirming that, gram for gram; the cranberry is the most powerful antioxidant among common fruit. The figures speak for themselves. Its superior antioxidant capacity links the cranberry with benefits for heart, lung and cell health, among others. So, if you aren't putting cranberries in your product yet, then maybe it's time to consider doing so. Dried Cranberries in a league of their own With its extensive health benefits, the cranberry may seem too good to be true. So what's the catch? Well... we've tried hard to find it, but there just isn't one. It looks good, it tastes good and it IS good. And what's more, consumers can't get enough of it. One berry - double the benefit. One of the most studied Fruits in the world; you may already be familiar with the cranberry's unique anti-adhesion mechanism, which has become a well-established arm in the fight against urinary tract infection. But... did you know that the cranberry also ranks number 1 for antioxidant benefits? This means the cranberry is unique, because it possesses the dual health benefits of antioxidant and anti-adhesion. Dried Cranberries uses and Tips • Dried cranberries are a quick and easy snack and can be eaten right out of the package. • Use as a tasty addition to trail mix, quick breads, muffins, desserts, sauces, salsa and salads. • Use as a tasty addition to trail mix, quick breads, muffins, desserts, sauces, salsa and salads. • Sprinkle dried cranberries over cold or cooked cereals - dried cranberries can also be cooked in the cereal. • Dried cranberries are a delicious addition to chopped chicken or turkey salads. • Dried cranberries are a no-fat, no cholesterol, no sodium food. Cranberry - urinary tract health Just 300ml of cranberry juice daily could help prevent urinary tract infections. In the last six years, medical research has indicated that cranberries may play an important role in maintaining urinary tract health. In a study conducted in 1994, elderly women who drank 300ml of cranberry juice daily reduced their odds of having infection by 58 percent. A follow-up study published in October 1998, identified a compound in cranberries that prevents micro-organisms and bacteria such as E. coli from sticking to cells of the urinary tract. Researchers call this property "anti-adhesion" and think this is what helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.