By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
  • Home
  • News
    • International News & Politics
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Money & Finance
    • Mobile and Telecommunication
    News
    Lifestyle Uganda brings you the latest news and information on Africa, Wizkid, Azawi, and Eddy Kenzo right from the heart of the industry.
    Show More
    Top News
    Lycamobile Uganda data bundles and voice (1)
    Lycamobile Uganda: 4 Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
    5th November 2021
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    19th September 2020
    Maro, Maurice Kirya Help German singer Mark Forster Cross Over With “Chip In”
    17th November 2018
    Latest News
    $10,000 Donated by Exness to Help 2022 Nigerian Flood Victims
    20th January 2023
    Former Brazilian Minister of Sports Pele Died at the Age of 82
    30th December 2022
    37 Visa Exempt Countries to Uganda: A Complete List
    7th December 2022
    Who is Patrick Oboi Amuriat: Biography, Early Life, Family, Education, Career and Controversies
    28th November 2022
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Celebrity
    • Biography
    • Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • Pop Culture
      • Recipes
      • Travel/Culture
    Entertainment
    With Lifestyle Uganda Entertainment you will be able to get the latest news from Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa entertainment, celebrity gossip, films, TV shows,…
    Show More
    Top News
    Lycamobile Uganda data bundles and voice (1)
    Lycamobile Uganda: 4 Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
    5th November 2021
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    19th September 2020
    Bobi Wine and Barbie Share First Joint Magazine Cover
    Bobi Wine and Barbie Share First Joint Cover on Parents Magazine in Kenya
    3rd November 2018
    Latest News
    Nominations for the 2023 Oscars: Tems Nominated for Lift Me Up
    25th January 2023
    London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to Host Massive Wizkid Show
    24th January 2023
    Tickets, Lineup, and Dates for Afro Nation Portugal 2023
    23rd January 2023
    Winners of the All Africa Music Awards 2022/2023: Burna Boy, Davido
    21st January 2023
  • Fashion
    • Beauty Trends
    • Accessories
    • Hair
    • Lipstick
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
    FashionShow More
    lifestyleuganda.com__Fenty Beauty appoints Nikita Kering as brand ambassador (1)
    Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Appoints Nikita Kering As Brand Ambassador
    1st June 2022
    nowthendigital.com__Balenciaga to accept cryptocurrency payments (1)
    Fashion Label Balenciaga to Accept Cryptocurrency Payments in the U.S.
    28th May 2022
    Nicki Minaj at met gala 2022 (1)
    See Nicki Minaj, Hillary Clinton, Elon Musk, Alicia Keys and More at the 2022 Met Gala
    3rd May 2022
    lifestyleuganda.com-Judith Heard wins Miss Environment Africa International
    Judith Heard wins Miss Environment Africa International in India
    4th April 2022
    lifestyleuganda.com__judith heard india miss environment contest (1)
    Miss Environment International 2022: Judith Heard arrives in India
    22nd March 2022
  • Health & Living
  • Tips & Advice
Search
© 2023 Lifestyle Uganda. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Doctor’s Guide: What Are the Health Benefits of Bitter Berries?
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Latest News
davinia esther anyakun education career
Davinia Esther Anyakun: Biography, Early Life, Family, Education, Career and Achievements
Biography
Canon Lightest Full Frame Eos R System Camera
The Eos R System Camera Is Canon’s Lightest Full Frame Camera Yet
Phones and Gadgets
partnership of Liquid Intelligent Technologies with Nokia
Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Nokia Partner to Drive Africa’s Innovation
Sponsored by APO GroupAPO Group
ashwagandha benefits
Ashwagandha: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Health & Living
Tems at 2023 Oscar nominations
Nominations for the 2023 Oscars: Tems Nominated for Lift Me Up
Entertainment Music
Aa
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
Aa
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Living
Search
  • Home
  • News
    • International News & Politics
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Money & Finance
    • Mobile and Telecommunication
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Celebrity
    • Biography
    • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
    • Beauty Trends
    • Accessories
    • Hair
    • Lipstick
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
  • Health & Living
  • Tips & Advice
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2023 Lifestyle Uganda. A Now & Entertainment Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
Lifestyle Uganda > Blog > Health & Living > Doctor’s Guide: What Are the Health Benefits of Bitter Berries?
Health & LivingTips

Doctor’s Guide: What Are the Health Benefits of Bitter Berries?

Musasi Isaac Christopher
Last updated: 2023/01/25 at 11:23 AM
Musasi Isaac Christopher
Share
12 Min Read
lifestyleug.com__health benefits of bitter berries (1)
Commonly known as katunkuma, bitter berries are common among several cultures in Uganda. FILE PHOTO
SHARE

The following article discusses how bitter berries may provide physical and mental health benefits. Bitter berries contain two compounds that aid in weight loss and overall health.

lifestyleug.com__health benefits of bitter berries (1)
Commonly known as Katunkuma, bitter berries are common among several cultures in Uganda. FILE PHOTO

KAMPALA | LIFESTYLE UGANDA (https://lifestyleuganda.com/) — This article takes a look at the science of bitter berries, their benefits and how they can help to improve your health. Bitter berries contain two compounds that can assist with weight loss and good health overall.

Contents
Are bitter berries healthy?AntioxidantsOther benefitsHealthful fatsHelp with anxietyHappiness boostRisks and side effects1. Takeaway2. Takeaway
  • In this article, we explore bitter berries’ science and how they may benefit your health.
  • Bitter berries contain two compounds that help with weight loss as well as overall health.
  • You can also read, Hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure naturally.
  • Learn also about how vitamins contribute to a healthy immune system.

Including bitter berries in a diet can help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. In addition, they may help to reduce the risk of diabetes. 

Studies have not yet provided conclusive evidence on the benefits of bitter berries. However, several potential benefits have been found in animal and human studies. 

Described below are the health benefits of bitter berries and how they may help with weight loss and overall health. Bitter berries contain two compounds that are known to aid weight loss.

- Advertisement -

Are bitter berries healthy?

Bitter berries contain anthocyanin pigments that are beneficial to health. Bitter berries contain anthocyanin pigments that are beneficial to health. 

Many fruits, vegetables, and herbs are bitter. But the specific compounds found in bitter berries can make them particularly beneficial for health. 

Bitter berries contain two compounds called anthocyanins and quercetin. 

Anthocyanins are dark, blue-black pigments that naturally occur in fruits and berries. However, most commercial versions of these pigments are made using blue and purple dyes.

Antioxidants

Anthocyanins also have antioxidant properties. Research in animals has suggested that they help to reduce inflammation in the body, and protect the cells and tissues from free radicals that can damage cells and tissues. 

- Advertisement -

Many antioxidants work by binding to free radicals, slowing their progression through the body. The same may be true of anthocyanins.

Supplements

People who eat bitter berries in their diet may experience many of the benefits of anthocyanins without eating the berries themselves. Some products can help people to incorporate bitter berries into their diet. 

SEE ALSO  Foot First Aid Essentials — What You Should Have in Your Medical Kit, and Why

One of the anthocyanin-rich foods people can add to their diet is dried cranberries. 

- Advertisement -

Further research is needed to confirm the health benefits of anthocyanins and quercetin, so people should talk to their doctor before starting a diet based on these findings.

Other benefits

Studies have also found that bitter berries can help with weight loss. A study published in 2010 found that eating 24 grams (g) of bitter berries for breakfast for 3 months can help to control weight in overweight adults. 

Bitter berries contain a small amount of fiber, which may have some additional benefits. Fiber helps to improve the health of the colon and help people to feel full for longer, which may help them to stick to a diet. 

Many people feel that drinking fruit juice helps to increase appetite and weight. However, a review of studies that found juice can increase hunger has also concluded that “juice’s effect on weight control is much more complex than previously understood.” 

However, in the study mentioned earlier, people were also given a daily dose of anthocyanins and quercetin, and only 2.5 g of fiber was lost during the first 3 months of the study. 

Studies have also suggested that bitter berries help to prevent cancer by reducing oxidative stress. 

A 2008 study found that people with colon cancer who ate a diet high in anthocyanins lost 20 per cent of their tumors, while those who ate the sweet-tasting berries did not. 

Furthermore, studies on rats suggest that anthocyanins may provide protection against colon cancer. They seem to cause the colon to have a lower incidence of inflammation and perhaps cancer.

Healthful fats

Anthocyanins have also been associated with cancer prevention. In a study in mice, anthocyanins were found to help to inhibit metastasis or the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. 

Anthocyanins may also help to prevent heart disease. A study in rats found that they reduced cholesterol levels and lowered blood pressure. 

Some people may find the taste of bitter berries to be bitter and overpowering. However, the ingredient may be helpful in some other ways. For example, one study found that people with high blood pressure had lower levels of both quercetin and anthocyanins in their blood. 

Anthocyanins can also be beneficial for the immune system. For example, some research has suggested that they may help to protect the body from infections.

SEE ALSO  Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Eat Bitter Berries Daily

Help with anxiety

Several studies have suggested that anthocyanins may help to treat anxiety. For example, scientists from the University of Texas at Austin found that people who consumed anthocyanin-rich blueberries had improved blood flow and brain activity. 

They also concluded that these anthocyanins had a positive effect on the body’s response to stress and anxiety. 

To test these results, the researchers randomly split 15 people, most of whom had anxiety, into two groups. Half of the group consumed a milky-white placebo drink that contained no blueberries, while the other half drank the milky-white drink with a blueberry-infused cream. 

The people in the placebo group reported significantly higher levels of anxiety than those in the group drinking a blueberry-enriched drink. This suggests that anthocyanins could have a beneficial effect on people’s health. 

Other studies also suggest that people with anxiety may benefit from the antioxidant-rich, bitter foods that are rich in these chemicals, including blueberries.

Happiness boost

Anthocyanins are also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help to reduce some of the symptoms of mood disorders. 

For example, one study from 2013 examined how drinking black tea with anthocyanins might affect levels of the chemical dopamine in the brain. 

When participants were given anthocyanins before and after drinking black tea with high levels of dopamine, the levels of dopamine in the brain were reduced, which is evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanins. 

Researchers are continuing to discover new health benefits of eating berries, and further research is required to determine whether anthocyanins can contribute to addressing mental health issues or mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Risks and side effects

However, people who are concerned about the side effects of bitter berries should talk to their doctor before starting a diet based on the findings. Beware of possible allergic reactions. Some people experience a reaction to the bitter taste of bitter berries.

1. Takeaway

A number of researchers have looked at the health effects of eating bitter berries in the diet, and so far there is limited evidence that bitter berries can help people to manage their weight, improve their mood, and prevent cancer or heart disease. 

However, people should always talk to their doctor before starting a diet based on these findings. 

SEE ALSO  The 5 Best Foods For Stomach Problems

Anthocyanins are present in many fruits, so the researchers looking at bitter berries are also investigating whether eating other types of fruit with anthocyanins can help to manage weight. 

Anthocyanins are generally not considered harmful in small amounts, although it is best to speak to a doctor before consuming large amounts to avoid side effects such as eye irritation or tooth decay. 

All fruits and vegetables have some or all of these chemicals, including vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibers. When choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, it is best to choose those that are in season and include several colors. 

There is little scientific evidence to support the idea that eating bitter foods like berries can help people lose weight or manage their appetite. 

Find out how to get over any dietary hurdles you may have by speaking to a dietitian or seeing our articles on weight loss for people with obesity, plus some helpful tips to make the most of food. 

Peeling and eating blueberries raw is one of the best ways to enjoy them. Peeling and eating blueberries raw is one of the best ways to enjoy them. 

For people who find the taste of bitter berries too much, many people choose to bake, grill, sauté or puree them, which may cut down on the bitterness. 

When buying fresh fruit and vegetables, choose those that are in season and have plenty of color. This will ensure you are getting a broad range of vitamins and nutrients from your diet and will help to prevent the color from fading.

2. Takeaway

Many studies have looked at the health benefits of consuming a few types of berries in the diet, but only limited research has looked at the effect of a diet based entirely on these berries. 

More research is necessary to explore the full range of health benefits of eating berries. If any of the studies above are any indication, consuming berries may help to: 

  1. Help with weight loss
  2. Support the health of the heart
  3. Help with weight management
  4. Promote healthy teeth
  5. Reduce the risk of some types of cancer

Although we strive to provide accurate information about the health benefits of eating bitter berries (katunkuma), it is always possible to make an error. If you find any inaccurate or incomplete info, please comment below.

You Might Also Like

Ashwagandha: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Are Eggs Safe to Eat if You Have High Cholesterol?

Why Are People Choosing CBD Oil Over Gummies?

5 Tips To Ensure The Quality Of Delta 8 Carts?

Why Are Youngsters Raving About CBD Products?

TAGGED: benefits bitter berries, benefits for diabetes, berries anthocyanin pigments beneficial, berries benefits for weight loss berries, berries weight loss, bitter berries, bitter berries anthocyanin pigments, bitter berries benefits, bitter berries compounds, bitter berries weight loss, eating blueberries raw, health benefits bitter berries, health benefits eating berries, health bitter berries, health bitter berries compounds, peeling eating blueberries raw

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Musasi Isaac Christopher 6th January 2022
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit Copy Link
Share
By Musasi Isaac Christopher
Follow:
An aspiring Lifestyle blogger who specializes in health, food and restaurant sectors. WhatsApp me on +256759100143.
Previous Article lifestyleug.com__Teni Breaks Silence on Gunshot at Rivers Event (1) Teni on Gunshot: I’m Thankful to God It Didn’t Turn Out Differently
Next Article lifestyleug.com__64th grammy awards postponed (1) 64th Grammy Awards Are Postponed Because of Omicron Risks
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

45.2k Followers Like
5.1k Followers Follow
213 Followers Pin
35.6k Followers Follow
11k Subscribers Subscribe
400 Followers Follow
- Advertisement -

Latest News

davinia esther anyakun education career
Davinia Esther Anyakun: Biography, Early Life, Family, Education, Career and Achievements
Biography 16th February 2023
Canon Lightest Full Frame Eos R System Camera
The Eos R System Camera Is Canon’s Lightest Full Frame Camera Yet
Phones and Gadgets 9th February 2023
partnership of Liquid Intelligent Technologies with Nokia
Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Nokia Partner to Drive Africa’s Innovation
Business Technology & Science 2nd February 2023
ashwagandha benefits
Ashwagandha: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Health & Living 25th January 2023

Follow Us

//

At Lifestyle Uganda, we inform, entertain, and inspire action through the content we create — empowering you to live a celebrity life.

Quick Link

  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Living

Top Categories

  • About Us
  • Send a Tip
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
Follow US

© 2023 Lifestyle Uganda. A Now & Entertainment Media Company. All Rights Reserved.

Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..

I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?