Health Facts on Darwin Barberry
Darwin Barberry is scientifically called as Berberis darwinii.
ORIGIN OF DARWIN BARBERRY
Darwin’s Barberry is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae,
Berberis darwinii was discovered in South America in 1835 by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the ‘Beagle’. It was one of many named in honour of Darwin.
OTHER NAMES OF DARWIN BARBERRY
Michay, Calafate, Quelung,European Barberry, Jaundice Berry, Mountain Grape, Oregon Grape, Pipperidge, Sow Berry.
APPEARANCE OF DARWIN BARBERRY
The Darwin Barberry fruit is a small purple-black berry 4–7 mm diameter, ripening in summer.
The edible fruit is very acidic.
TASTES OF DARWIN BARBERRY
The Darwin Barberries are fully ripe from about July to August and can taste quite sweet, but have a lot of seeds inside.
This Darwin Barberry produces an abundance of acid berries that were not only used to make jellies but whole bunches were traditionally preserved in syrup or even candied.
VARIETIES OF DARWIN BARBERRY
• Berberis vulgaris
• Berberis darwinii
• Berberis thunbergii
• Berberis aristata
• Berberis buxifolia
• Berberis darwinii ‘Compacta’
• Berberis x lologensis ‘Apricot Queen’
• Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea
There are many barberry varieties including:
• Japanese barberry
• Evergreen barberry
• Yellow barberry
• Crimson pygmy barberry
• Orange rocket barberry
• Concorde barberry
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF DARWIN BARBERRY
Serving Size: 5tbsp (28grams) contains
• Calories 98: Calories from Fat 1
• Total Fat: 0.1ggrams
• Sodium: 83mgmilligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 22ggrams
• Dietary Fibre: 3.6ggram
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 150%
• Vitamin C: 23%
• Calcium: 4.1%
• Iron: 11%
HEALTH BENEFITS OF DARWIN BARBERRY
Fortifies Bone Health: Calcium, vitamin D and Magnesium present in Darwin Barberries are considered as a key bone health nutrients that require special attention to ensure that you meet your daily requirement. Vitamin A present in the Darwin Barberry fruit ,Influences osteoblasts (bone-building cells) and osteoclasts (bone breaking down cells).
Eradicate Cancer: Ellagic acid, tannins , anthocyanins and other polyphenols in the Barberry shall act as good anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-viral .
Uplifts Vision Health: Darwin Barberry holds good amount of Vitamin A that may also protect against other eye afflictions , reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Barberry also contain B vitamins such as vitamins B6, B9 and B12 that provides structure to your eye, particularly in the cornea and sclera.
Boosts Immune System: Darwin Barberry with Antioxidants holds natural compounds that are able to neutralize the free radicals that are an unwanted product of our metabolism. They protect tissues from their destructive action and increase the effectiveness of the immune system.
Rejuvenates Skin Health: Flavanols in Barberry boost the protection offered by the melanocytes in our skin. Also Barberry fruit helps our skin stay young for longer.
Anti- Inflammatory Properties: These flavonoid present in the Darwin Barberry fruit has very strong anti-inflammatory effects ,which can reduce painful swelling as well as many other types of inflammation, both acute and chronic.
Supports Liver Function: Vitamin C is an antioxidant –a key element that helps to neutralize molecules known as free radicals, vitamin C also helps to limit fat accumulation in the liver and prevent fatty liver disease.
Maintains Heart Health: These Darwin Barberries decreases both high blood pressure and the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. Sodium maintains normal fluid levels outside of cells. Potassium also helps muscles to contract and supports normal blood pressure.
Aids Digestion: Iron, Selenium, magnesium in the fruit Darwin Barberry supports the good bacteria in the gut. Selenium enhances the gut’s response to inflammation and Magnesium minimizes inflammation in the gut.
