Firm skin with Golden berries
Gently protected by a soft paper wrap called calyx, this little berry is packed with nutrients that are a boon for the bones and the skin. Although they originate from South America where, because of their protective cover, they are also known as cape berries, among their many names, they grow as nightshades in most warm countries. One of their many other names is Inca berries as this ancient population, who cultivated them around 400 years ago, believed these berries were so precious that only royalties were allowed to consume them.
Aside from bursting with a tropical tangy flavor reminiscent of pineapple and orange, they are filled with precious antioxidants in higher quantities than Goji berries, their Chinese counterpart also loaded with antioxidants. A cup (5 ounces/140g) contains a good amount of fibers, at around 20% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance), Vitamin A, Iron, Vitamin C, 21%, a powerful skin-friendly antioxidant, and around 28% of Niacin.
Niacin, also known as B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that we can only get through food (or supplements) and is responsible for helping the body extract energy from food by synthesizing two important coenzymes, critical for metabolic functions. One of the benefits of this Vitamin is to boost cognitive functions and even fight off depression. Niancin is also found in many skin lotions as it helps reverse sun damage applied topically or take in orally.
Golden berries contain Niacin which can help the skin recover from sun damage.
These tiny berries contain high amounts antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, that can help prevent oxidative damage and the growth of cancer cells, but also withanolides, natural steroids with strong anti-inflammatory effects that are primarily found in the husk of ripe berries. The polyphenols in golden berries are also responsible to lower inflammation and regulate the immune response, while its Vitamin K can strengthen bones and cartilage as it stimulates collagen production.
Lastly, as with many orange-colored fruits, they contain beta-carotene, but also lutein, which, along with Vitamin A, can greatly improve eyesight lowering the risk of macular degeneration and, in the long run, vision loss due to diabetes.
Luckily enough this delicious fruit is available all-year-round and it is easy to incorporate into a diet, even adding it to salads along with tomatoes, also rich in lutein and beta-caroten, and cucumbers.
Aside from a good diet I increase my intake of skin-friendly antioxidants with Hair & Skin Gummies from Semaine with astaxanthin, biotin and collagen.
Try it and let us know what you think!
