www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 27 Eating berries, which are high in vitamin C, can also contribute to a healthy glow. Vitamin C is, of course, associated with improved immune function, but it also contributes to your looks.” Dr. Kulze laughed. “Vitamin C is important for a wide array of health issues, but it’s really good for connective tissue and pretty, healthy skin.” As if these delicious fruits weren’t working hard enough, they’re loaded with potassium, which, according to Kulze, is an excellent mineral for nerve support and muscle function. There’s another reason she champions the potassium factor: It helps reduce the negative impacts of a sodium-laden diet. “So many people eat crazy amounts of sodium. The potassium in these fruits helps mitigate that sodium intake,” Dr. Kulze explained. Perhaps one of the most important factors that contribute to Dr. Kulze’s campaign for berry consumption are the beneficial phytochemicals, such as anthocyanin, packed into these sweet delights. “The anthocyanins that give berries their red and blue hues have some of the most potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties found in our food. They’re unique in that they bring a '1-2 punch' by fighting off oxidation and calming inflammation,” Dr. Kulze commented. “And we want that, since oxidation and inflammation are primary drivers of disease.” Anthocyanins also aid in gut health. “The anthocyanins are in a larger family of phytochemicals called polyphenols. They’re famous for stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and at the same time thwarting growth of harmful gut bacteria. As we now know, the gut, or “microbiome,” is running the show. It’s the COO of our body’s most important process,” Dr. Kulze said. The polyphenols Dr. Kulze referenced also protect us from aging faster than we should. “Polyphenols have been shown to favorably modulate our longevity pathways,” Dr. Kulze said. “One of the reasons we get sick is because our cells are aging. If we can slow that aging process, we can significantly impact the progression of disease.” If you think the heroics of berries end here, think again. “Anthocyanins and polyphenols are also unique because they can directly cross the blood-brain barrier,” Dr. Kulze remarked. “Not many things can cross it, but they can. They’ve also been shown to turn on a gene called BDNF or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. It’s like MiracleGro for the brain and allows us to forge healthy, high-quality brain connections. In animal studies, we’re seeing that berries can reverse signs of aging in the brain. That’s amazing and a very special quality these fruits have.” So the next time you want to cure your sweet tooth with fruit, try a serving of berries. It doesn’t matter what kind, as Dr. Kulze stated: “All berries pack a whopping, anti-inflammatory punch.” The Charleston area has several options for purchasing locally grown berries, whether you buy them by the pint or pick them yourselves. However, Dr. Kulze has some advice for those craving berries when they’re out of season. “Frozen berries are just as good as fresh berries. They’re allowed to grow to peak ripeness, when there is a huge uptick in the health value of the fruit. The flash freeze is quick and doesn’t damage the fruit,” Dr. Kulze explained. “You can buy them in bulk and have them all year-round.” Source: Drannwellness.com Farms Offering Pre-Picked or Pick Your Own Berries: Ambrose Family Farm Boone Hall Farm • boonehallfarms.com Bugby Plantation U-Pick • Updates listed on Facebook Newton Blueberry Farm • Updates listed on Facebook Kings Farm Market • kingsfarmmarket.com Meyers Blueberries • Call for availability • 843-830-0698
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