ITT Nov/ Dec 2015 | Page 6

Healthy Christian Living Health Facts about Boysenberries 1. Boysenberries will improve digestive health. Boysenberries contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which prevents constipation, making one’s bowel movement easier to manage. Fiber can also scrape cholesterol out of the arteries and blood vessels. The daily recommended dietary fiber intake for men and women are 38 grams and 25 grams, respectively. 2. Boysenberries may improve brain health. Several components of boysenberries, such as potassium, foliate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. Foliate has been known to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been linked to increasing blood flow to the brain and enhance cognition, concentration, and neural activity. Also, boysenberries are an excellent source of vitamin B6. A deficiency has shown depression and nausea. Be sure not to consume too much. The vitamin B6 upper limit is set to 100 milligrams for adults over the age of 18, but adults do not need that much unless directed by the doctor. 3. Boysenberries are helpful for pregnant women and their babies. Boysenberries are a good source of vitamin B-complex, such as folate or folic acid. Folate has shown to help in neural tube formation and red blood cell formation in prenatal babies. A deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns.