According to a recent news update, it was reported that plant-based products are taking over the market for varied reasons ranging from health to environmental concerns. In this context, berries have emerged as the most versatile and scientifically-backed ingredients for innovative applications. This news was published in the journal, Nutraceuticals World.
Due to effective marketing campaigns, berries have come in the limelight as a name synonymous with antioxidant power. They are known to be packed with significant health benefits. They are the perfect mix of flavor and colors, making them a part of dietary supplement applications and functional food/ beverage. Berry ingredients that are filled with standardized bioactives are more popular now than earlier times.
Particular berries benefit specific areas of our health. For instance, a study on elderberry supported its immune health benefits, along with prebiotic effects to promote a healthier gut. While black currant extract aids vision that is exposed to excess screen use, aronia berry can significantly impact clinical outcomes in the cardiovascular area. These attributes have made the supplement industry to delve deeper into the health benefits of berries in order for developers to easily formulate products. By tapping into the phytonutrient profiles that is unique to each berry, immense health benefits can be delivered in addition to the macros and micros in foods and beverages.
It remains to be seen how berry functionality can differentiate between the various products. Apart from capsules and tablets, a mix of options including gummies, lozenges, liquids, sachets, and stick packs are now available. Multi-functional products or blends are the future of wellness supplementation that one needs to watch out for!
Source: Melanie Bush. Beyond antioxidants: The power of berries. Nutraceuticals World. 23 February, 2023. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/issues/2023-03/view_features/beyond-antioxidants-the-power-of-berries/?userloggedin=true
