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The Clinical Education Network

Health, Fitness & Lifestyle

Gut friendly Inca berries

We all know how good berries are for us – high in antioxidants, Vitamins C & K. But some berries offer more than others such as the little known Inca berry. Also known as the Goldenberry, this is another superberry from darkest Peru*. Highly nutritious like their berry cousins, Inca Berries are very high in fibre with 19g per 100g. This is more fibre than a salad sandwich on wholemeal bread!

For those of us looking for gut friendly snacks Inca berries are the bomb! They contain both soluble & insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre is important for controlling appetite & reducing cholesterol reabsorption in the small intestine, whereas insoluble fibre is important for healthy bowel function.

A diet high in fibre & natural prebiotic foods has been shown to establish a healthy balance of gut bacteria & optimal health. Inca berries are naturally gluten free, with the perfect balance of sweet & sour, they make a perfect addition to nut mixes, bliss balls & baked treats but can an extra zing to savoury dishes.

In addition to their impressive fiber content, Inca berries are also a powerhouse of many other nutrients that you may not be recieving from your regular diet. They are loaded with bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Inca berries also provide a good dose of vitamin A, essential for healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

Their unique taste and nutritional profile make Inca berries an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their diet. The tangy yet sweet flavor of Inca berries is not only ideal for enhancing the taste of desserts and snacks such as baking them into sweet things such as tarts or pies. These berries can also add a delightful twist to savory dishes like salads, sauces, and marinades.

This versatility, combined with their health benefits, positions Inca berries as an intriguing addition to both traditional and innovative recipes, encouraging healthier eating habits and culinary exploration.