Dried barberries: uses and nutritional benefits

The Berberis, the barberry or the Vinettier, is a thorny tree of the family Berberidaceae. It is widespread in Iran, a country that appreciates it for its berries and its therapeutic properties. Indeed, the berberid, a compound found in large quantities in the roots, has many powers. The berries of the berberis; the barberry does not have any, but it is not for all that they remain without interest. The barberry is a beautiful little red berry with a tangy flavor that goes wonderfully well in both savory and sweet recipes. Nutritionally, they are rich in phytonutrients and fiber. Thus, they regulate intestinal transit, limit the absorption of cholesterol or fight against oxidative stress. Latin name: Barberis vulgaris L. Botanical family: Berberidaceae. Part used : Fruit.

Recommended consumption

Dried barberry is a dry fruit. It therefore contains more sugar than a fresh barberry, the recommendations for daily consumption are defined. As a classic cure or for pleasure, 20 to 30 g of dried barberry per day, or 3 to 4 handfuls.

In what form?

To make the most of their benefits, you can use them :

  • Whole
At what time of day?

We advise you to use them during the following meal(s) to take full advantage of their benefits:

  • Breakfast
  • Snacks
What modes of use?

You can incorporate them into the following preparations to make them easier to take:

  • Salad
  • Dessert
  • Yoghurt, dairy
  • Dish
  • Only
  • Mixed with other dried fruits
  • Infusion
  • Muesli

Health Nutrition Benefits

25 grams of dried wine thorns contain a significant portion of the Population Nutritional Reference (PNR) of Iron and Fiber.

As such, dried wine thorns can supplement your healthy and varied diet.

Metabolism

Barberry is a carrier of anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds are antioxidants. Because of the absence of fat and the presence of fiber, this antioxidant power is even more effective in preventing cardiovascular pathologies. Indeed, the fibers decrease the absorption of cholesterol and the antioxidants limit the formation and the aggravation of the atheromatous plaques.

Digestive system

Barberry contains pectin, a soluble fiber. Pectin is useful for digestive transit disorders, such as diarrhea or constipation (see our guides constipation and diet and diarrhea and diet). This is because pectin forms a gel when it comes into contact with water, which regulates intestinal transit activity.

Nervous system, well-being

Rich in iron, dried barberry contributes to cognitive functions and reduces fatigue. In short, it is ideal during intense periods: exams, sports events, etc.

Immune system

An iron deficiency impacts the functioning of the immune system. Barberry is rich in iron and supports the immune system. Iron reinforces the immune benefits of a varied and balanced diet.

Circulatory system

Thanks to its richness in iron, dried Barberry is a perfect accompaniment to iron deficiency anemia treatment (see our iron deficiency anemia and diet guide).

Nutritional properties

Main properties

  • Febrifuge: scientific studies observe a decrease in fever after consumption of barberry.
  • Antioxidant (phytonutrient): there are approximately 22 alkaloid compounds found in barberry berries: phenolic compounds (including anthocyanins and carotenoids), tannin, flavonoid, anthocyanin, etc. These compounds are antioxidant agents, i.e. they neutralize free radicals.
  • Intestinal regulator (pectin): dried barberry is a berry rich in soluble fiber (pectin). Soluble fibers form a gel when in contact with water, which tends to balance the digestive transit. Be careful, in excess, they are laxative.
  • Hypocholesterolemic (fiber): barberry decreases the absorption of dietary cholesterol, thanks to its high fiber content.

Secondary properties

  • Anti-anemic (iron): barberry is extremely rich in iron. Iron is a hematopoietic trace element: it is involved in the formation of red blood cells.
  • Anti-fatigue (iron): an iron deficiency causes unusual fatigue. Barberry counteracts iron deficiencies.
  • Mental tonic (iron): barberry stimulates intellectual functions and contributing to iron intakes.
  • Immunomodulating (iron): an iron deficiency decreases resistance to infections. Through its richness in iron, barberry ensures the proper functioning of the immune system.

Nutritional values

*Recommended Daily Allowance

To know more about the plant : The Berberis

The Berberis, the Vinettier, or the Barberry belongs to the family Berberidaceae. It is a deciduous tree, thorny, which can reach 3 m in height. In spring, the barberry is covered with golden yellow flowers, which will give way to berries. These small red berries grow in clusters and have the same name as the mother tree: barberry.

The genus Berberis is native to the semi-tropical regions of Asia, Europe, Africa and America. Today, barberry has settled in Iran, which is the main producer and consumer country of barberry berries. In Europe, we tend to eradicate it because it is an intermediate host of a wheat parasite: black rust, a fungus of the Pucciniaceae family. Apart from this fact, barberry is an easy to maintain and aesthetic shrub.

Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid. It has different medicinal indications: antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, vasodilator, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiemetic, cholagogue, etc. This berberine is responsible for the yellow coloring of the stems and roots of the barberry. It is present in the roots, rhizomes, stem and bark of the plant, but the barberry berries are devoid of it. Barberry berries therefore have no claim to these therapeutic properties.

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