Canadian researchers find potential food uses of nutrient-rich prairie fruits

Canadian researchers uncovered an array of health benefits in prairie fruits, particularly buffalobe…

Canadian researchers uncovered an array of health benefits in prairie fruits, particularly buffaloberry, chokecherry and sea buckthorn, which contribute to the fruit's high potential value in foods and possibly in commercial food markets, according to a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science.

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan uncovered nutrients, including fiber, lipids, ascorbic acid and antioxidants, in the fruits. As ingredients, these materials can be used to improve the food value of traditionally prepared foods, as supplements for nutrient-poor populations or they can be consumed directly as a healthy snack. Primary nutrients include:

• Buffaloberry is high in ascorbic acid, at a level four times greater than that reported for oranges.
• Chokecherry contains high levels of anthocyanin pigments (anti-oxidants) and at a concentration higher than the levels reported for fruits such as cranberry. Anthocyanins provide anti-inflammatory properties, cardio-vascular benefits and potential anticarcinogenic properties.
• Sea buckthorn contained high levels of lipids for a fruit, although level vary with location and variety.
• All of the fruits contained high levels of total dietary fiber.