Ellagic acid also helps to prevent angiogenesis, i.e. the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels allowing cancerous tumors to live.

This polyphenol is found mainly in raspberries and strawberries. However, 90% of this molecule is found in the raspberries seeds, which makes its assimilation by the organism difficult. On the other hand, the molecule is present almost entirely in the strawberry pulp.

Cherries, on the other hand, contain glucaric acid which has the capacity to detoxify our body of xenoestrogens, also known as “endoctrinal disrupters” which are pollutants present in the environment.

The second type of polyphenols found in these fruits are the anthocyanidins to which we owe the bright color of these fruits. They are characterized by a high antioxidant potential. They are mostly present in blueberries. Raspberries, strawberries and cranberries also contain them, but in smaller quantities.

Finally, berries are composed of proanthocyanidins, molecules with very strong antioxidant power. It has been established in laboratory that the addition of these molecules inhibits the growth of different cancer cells especially those derived from the colon. These polyphenols strengthen the blood vessels, improve the oxygen distribution to the cells and can keep the microtumors in a latent state by preventing them from using the blood vessels by angiogenesis. These molecules are found in abundance in seeds, barks and flowers. But their significant presence in blueberries and cranberries should be emphasized.

How to eat them?

These fruits can be consumed raw or frozen. Although cooking them doesn’t make them lose much of their phytochemical components, it is still better to eat them raw or frozen. Avoid jams or juices as a general rule since they contain too much sugar.

N.B.: Because of its drying process, there are more antioxidants in dried cranberries than in fresh cranberries. Avoid cranberry juice which has lost a lot of its phytochemical molecules.

Choosing your berries

Berries must be firm but ripe, as they will not mature once they have been harvested, with no mildew.

Conservation

• A few days in the central part of your fridge. Get rid of excess moisture with a paper towel, then place them in a perforated bag. Rinse before eating.
• Place whole fruits, peeled or not, on a plate. When frozen, place them in a freezer bag.
• Dry cranberries. Place in a sealed container, keep cool, dry and away from light.