Turkey Berry: Benefits and Side Effects

Turkey berries are well known for their nutritional profile and are high in:

• Proteins
• Fibers
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Good sources of antioxidants

Turkey berries are good sources of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals, such as iron, calcium sodium, and potassium. They are low in fats and carbs.

Turkey berries provide the following nutrients per 100-gram serving:

1. Help treat anemia: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common anemia that is seen worldwide. Turkey berries are a rich source of plant-based iron, which may help treat and prevent anemia. There is no proven evidence of the positive effects of turkey berries to treat anemia. The lack of evidence makes the turkey berries' usage limited. So, use turkey berries along with foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries, to increase the absorption of iron and help in the production of hemoglobin.
2. Regulate blood sugar levels: Turkey berries are rich in bioactive polyphenols, such as rutin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and catechins that help lower blood sugar levels in those predisposed to diabetes. These polyphenols reduce oxidative stress and cell damage and regulate metabolism.
3. Reduce inflammation: Turkey berries are rich in bioactive steroidal glycosides that help lower inflammation. Neutrophils cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Intake of turkey berries acts as an anti-inflammatory against neutrophilic inflammation and prevents respiratory conditions. However, the studies are limited and more studies are required to understand the benefits clearly.
4. Promote digestion: In the olden days, turkey berries were used to break a fast. The ingredients of turkey berries calm an empty stomach and relieve acidity. The antioxidants in turkey berries help neutralize gastric acids in situations, such as pancreatic ulcers and gastritis. The high fiber content in turkey berries increases bowel movements, helps the digestion process, and increases metabolism.
5. Lower blood pressure: Most population in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, which increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Studies suggest that polyphenols in turkey berries are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and help lower blood pressure. However, these benefits were reported in animal studies, and human studies are lacking.
6. Prevent the side effects of anticancer drugs: The flavonoids in turkey berries prevent the harmful effects of doxorubicin, an anticancer drug that is used during chemotherapy. The drug results in multiorgan toxicity decrease sperm count and affect the function of testicles. The flavonoids in turkey berries prevent the damage caused by the drug.

Turkey berries are safe to eat. However, have them in moderation. Overeating leads to nausea and dizziness.

Glycoalkaloids present in turkey berries may not be safe to take in excess amounts. So, it is better to eat turkey berries when they are fully ripened. The fully ripen turkey berries contain very minimal amounts of glycoalkaloids.

Include turkey berry in your diet in the following ways:

• Turkey berries are used to prepare herbal teas that increase iron levels
• Dried turkey berries are used to make tea bags
• Can be added as seasonings