Canadian bunchberry or Cornus canadensis is a flowering plant native to North America. With its bright red berries and beautiful white flowers, it’s hard to resist this fruit. However, did you know that this small fruit is packed with nutritional benefits and has anti-inflammatory effects?

Let’s explore the many health benefits of Canadian bunchberry, including bone health effects, nutritional values, immune system effects, and even food combining suggestions.

Nutritional Values

Canadian bunchberry is a low-calorie fruit but high in essential vitamins and minerals. According to the US nutritional database, one cup of raw bunchberries (about 40 grams) contains:

• 20 calories
• 0.4 grams of protein
• 4.7 grams of carbs
• 0.3 grams of fat
• 1.5 grams of fiber
• 51% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C
• 5% of the RDI of vitamin A
• 2% of the RDI of calcium
• 1% of the RDI of iron

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Canadian bunchberry contains anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. These compounds have been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body.

Bone Health Effects

As we age, our bones become weaker and more prone to fractures. However, adding Canadian bunchberry to your diet may help improve bone health. The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of collagen, a protein that makes up our bones. Studies have also shown that vitamin C intake is associated with higher bone density.

Immune System Effects

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, Canadian bunchberry may also improve immune system function. The fruit contains immune-boosting compounds, such as polyphenols and carotenoids. These compounds have been shown to activate immune cells and enhance their ability to fight infections.

Food Combining Suggestions

Food combining is the practice of combining foods that are compatible with each other to promote better digestion and absorption of nutrients. Canadian bunchberry combines well with other fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. It also pairs well with leafy greens, such as spinach and kale.

Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe

To maximize the anti-inflammatory benefits of Canadian bunchberry, try incorporating it into an easy-to-make smoothie recipe. Here’s how to make a delicious anti-inflammatory smoothie:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of fresh Canadian bunchberries
• 1 cup of frozen mixed berries
• 1 small banana
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp. of honey
• ½ tsp. of turmeric powder
• 1 scoop of collagen powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Conclusion

Incorporating Canadian bunchberry into your diet may provide many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, improved immune system function, and better bone health. Plus, it’s delicious and can be added to many different types of dishes or made into a smoothie. Try adding this superfruit today to promote a healthier lifestyle.

If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section here or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section, where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.

Thank you for reading. We can’t wait to see you back again soon!