BERRIES – COULD THESE POWERFUL LITTLE FRUITS PREVENT AND MANAGE ILLNESS IN KIDS?

With lots of colds and viral infections around, the anti-inflammatory properties of berries could help.

A study published in the Clinical Nutrition ESPEN journal^[3]concluded that vitamin C-rich berries provide a range of polyphenols including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Polyphenols are known to have antimicrobial properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

The study authors go on to explain that berries such as blueberries and raspberries have proven efficacy against certain viral infections. Given that berries contain such a range of antiviral components this makes them an ideal ‘go to’ food during this time of year, particularly for children.

Other new research^[4] published in Advances in Nutrition journal concludes that it is not any one single compound that appears to exert such positive effects, but rather the combined effects of the phenolic and nonphenolic compounds found in berries.

These findings indicate that mixing the type of berries eaten from day-to-day – for example, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries – could help people, including children, get the most benefit.

Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health Nutritionist and adviser to British Berry Growers commented: “With the winterflurry of colds and viruses children tend to be particularly susceptible as their immunity is only just starting to build and they typically learn and play in close circles.

“Incorporating fresh fruits into their diets, such as berries, is a great way to boost children’s vitamin C intake and benefit from the antimicrobial and anti-viral properties that berries are increasingly becoming known for.”

Note: For babies with a family history of food allergies or asthma or mild eczema they can try berries providing that more common foods can be tolerated first. When young children are just starting solid foods, do not serve whole, raw berries which could be a choking hazard.^[5] Instead, slide berries as snacks or as lunchbox treats. Serve babies cooked, pureed berries with nothing else added^.

New Kids’ Recipes by Love Fresh Berries (click image for recipe).