Autochthonous and exotic tropical berries. A comparative study of bioactive compounds and the benefits on human health. A review

Abstract

Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L), blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L), raspberries (Rubus idaeus) -are rich in anthocyanins- the natural antioxidants and contains a high amount of C, A, E vitamins, copper, selenium, zinc, iron. Antocyanins annihilate the action of free radicals and prevent the appearance of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and early aging and also combat oxidative stress. Also, tropical berries such as Euterpe oleracea, Eugenia uniflora, Myrciaria cauliflora, Myrciaria dubia , Syzygium cumini are rich in polyphenols. The following paper is a comprehensive and comparative review on nutritional and non-nutritional bioactive compounds of autochthonous and exotic berries.