ABSTRACT
Berries consumption is on the rise due to consumer awareness of their health benefits.
Berries are abundant in polyphenols and phenolic compounds, which include phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanones, flavones and flavanols). Several in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as controlled clinical trials, indicated their consumption could improve health by exerting antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antilipidemia, antiinsulinemia, and antihypertensive effects against cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Berries are presently regarded as functional foods with prebiotics effects to benefit the gut microbiota and improve overall health. This chapter will discuss the current research on berries and their potential health benefits.
