ITT Nov/ Dec 2015 | Page 7

4. Boysenberries can help maintain a healthy blood pressure. Boysenberries have a phenomenal potassium to sodium ratio, which can contribute to reducing the risk of hypertension. One cup of boysenberries contains 183 milligrams of potassium, compared to 1.3 milligrams of sodium. This helps the blood vessels relax and maintains proper blood pressure. Also, a high potassium diet reduces strain on the heart and increases overall cardiovascular health. 5. Boysenberries can help increase bone strength. Boysenberries are a good source of vitamin K, which functions in retaining calcium in the bone matrix, decreasing the risk for osteoporosis. Sufficient vitamin K consumption may also reduce urinary excretion of calcium. One cup of boysenberries contains 13 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin K. 6. Boysenberries can help you individuals fight infections. Boysenberries are a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body. 7. Boysenberries can assist in energy production and antioxidant defense. One cup of boysenberries contains 36 percent of the mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in some enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. For example, some enzymes disarm free radicals produced within the mitochondria (the energy production factories within our cells), which require manganese.