Interesting Facts On Saskatoon Berry
Saskatoon berry is scientifically called as “ Amelanchier alnifolia ” .
ORIGIN OF SASKATOON BERRY
Saskatoon berry is a shrub with an edible berry like fruit, native to North America which belongs to the Rose family. Saskatoon is closely related to the apple, hawthorn and mountain ash.
OTHER NAMES OF SASKATOON BERRY
Saskatoon berry, Pacific serviceberry, western serviceberry, alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, chuckley pear, western juneberry,Dwarf Serviceberry, Alder Leaf Shadbush, Mountain Juneberry, Rocky Mountain Blueberry, Saskatoon, Saskatoon Serviceberry, Serviceberry, Sarvisberry, Shadbush, Juneberry, Western Shadbush, Shadberries, Sugar pears, Indian pears, chuckley pear, prairie berry.
APPEARANCE OF SASKATOON BERRY
The Saskatoon fruit is a small purple pome 5–15 mm (3⁄16–19⁄32 in) in diameter, ripening in early summer in the coastal areas and late summer further inland. it has a waxy bloom.
Fertile flowers give way to small, globose to sub globose, edible berries that are 5–15 mm (3⁄16–19⁄32 in) in diameter, glabrous, wax-coated, juicy and sweet.
TASTES OF SASKATOON BERRY
Saskatoon fruits are edible, with a sweet taste a bit like the taste of cherries, almonds and grapes combined.
VARIETIES OF SASKATOON BERRY
The three varieties are:
• A. a. var. alnifolia. Northeastern part of the species’ range.
• A. a. var. pumila (Nutt.) A.Nelson. Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada.
• A. a. var. semiintegrifolia (Hook.) C.L.Hitchc. Pacific coastal regions, Alaska to northwestern California.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF SASKATOON BERRY
Saskatoon fruit plants have very high components of phenolics, flavanols, and anthocyanins.
Nutrient Value per 100 grams % Daily Value
• Energy: 85 kcal
• Total dietary fibre: 5.9g 20%
• Sugars: 11.4g 8%
• Calcium: 42mg 4%
• Magnesium: 24 mg 6%
• Iron: 1mg 12%
• Manganese: 1.4mg 70%
• Potassium: 162mg 3%
• Sodium: 0.5mg 0%
• Vitamin C: 3.6mg 4%
• Vitamin A: 11IU 1%
• Vitamin E: 1.1mg 7%
• Folate: 4.6ug 1%
• Thiamine: 4%
• Riboflavin: 3.5mg
• Vitamin B6: 2%
• Pantothenic acid: 0.3mg
• Phosphorus: 2%
• Zinc: 2%
• Chloride: 2%
• Pyridoxine: 0.03mg 2%
• Biotin: 20ug 67%
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SASKATOON BERRY
Manages Blood Sugar
Saskatoon Berries are rich in anthocyanin, which may have antioxidant activity that reduce the oxidative stress and plays a crucial role in blood sugar management. High fibre water content in the Saskatoon fruit helps in regulating blood sugar and insulin levels.
Combats Cancer
Saskatoon Berry contain proanthocyanins (antioxidant) which may have the ability to kill cancer cells in human colon cancer cell lines.Saskatoon Berry consumption might decrease tumour size and inhibit ovarian cancer cells by regulating levels of some enzymes.
Encourages Cognitive Power
Oxidative stress makes our brain age fast which negatively affects our cognitive powers. The anthocyanins present in the saskatoon berries would improve our brain health and reduce brain cell damage.
Enhances Vision
Saskatoon Berry may enhance vision. Intake of saskatoon berries may recover from visual sharpness. Anthocyanins in Saskatoon fruit might contribute to eye health and reduce retinal (retina is a part of the eye) diseases.
Prevents Anaemia
Saskatoon berries has ability to treat anaemia and Anaemia symptoms like fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Strengthens Bone and Teeth
Saskatoon Berry contains Vitamin C ,Calcium mineral which makes our bones and teeth strong. Vitamin C is important in keeping gums, bones and blood vessels in good working condition.
Increases Metabolism
The list of B vitamins in Saskatoon berries like B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, biotin, folic acid and pantothenic acid. Saskatoon berries work together to help our body’s metabolic functions, to make energy for our body needs.
Maintains Healthy Heart
The mineral in Saskatoon berries such as magnesium, may help regulate blood pressure, keep arteries from hardening, and keep heart rhythm regular. Vitamin C in Saskatoon berries may lower the risk of atherosclerosis.
Reduce Diabetics
Saskatoon Berry found in Magnesium & Chromium nutrient in the body fight against diabetes. Saskatoon Berry juice consumption shall reduce the diabetic in patients and improve glucose tolerance, lower their fasting glucose levels, decrease insulin levels and cut cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Cures Liver Problems
Vitamin C antioxidants in Saskatoon Berry helps to limit fat accumulation in the liver and prevent fatty liver disease.
Aids Digestion
Saskatoon Berry have a high fibre content that might promote easy digestion. Vitamin A maintains healthy digestion by nourishing the mucosal tissue lining the digestive tract.