Berries, the antioxidant sources of the boreal cold and arid regions

Abstract

Chronic gastrointestinal diseases are mostly attached to inflammation as well as modified redox homeostasis. These diseases cause remarkable health problems in the northern regions of Europe, but as the climate becomes colder, the harvesting of fruit with notable antioxidant content becomes harder. In these regions, polyphenol-rich berries, which can handle the climate, may have pivotal role in the diet. The aim of our study was to determine antioxidant properties of watery extracts of blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L., bilberry, V. myrtillus L., and lingonberry, V. vitis-idaea L. that may have role in the redox homeostasis of the gastrointestinal region. Data show that these berries notably inhibit the lipid peroxidation, underpinned by reducing power, total polyphenol and ascorbic acid content. The study demonstrates that berries can play a remarkable role in northern European diet, especially when redox homeostasis is imbalanced.