The emerging role of dark berry polyphenols in human health and nutrition

Abstract

Abstract Dark berry fruits are one of the top 10 richest sources of dietary polyphenols and have been examined for their pharmacokinetic benefits in the human body related to absorption, digestion, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). With the expansion of the world wide web and rise of discretionary income in Europe and North America impacting the global food trade during the 21st century, several species of berries have become available for general consumption that may have previously been out of reach of the average consumer. Compared to their commercial counterparts, these berries contain many of the same polyphenols, and the possibility exists for the discovery of novel phenolic compounds that may affect the ADME process in a host‐beneficial way. Several species have demonstrated antioxidant, antiobesogenic, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory properties through in vitro, animal studies, and human clinical trials. This review examines the available chemical compositions of several dark berries and their effect on the ADME process, their implication in host health effects, and the potential of these emerging species to suggest areas for future research.

Keywords

• food and health
• healthy food
• nutrition