Salal, also known as Gaultheria shallon, is a small evergreen shrub native to the west coast of North America. This delicious superfruit is not only packed with nutrients but also has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your health in many ways. In this article, we will explore the anti-inflammatory benefits of salal, its bone effects, and nutritional values.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Salal contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve your overall health.
One of the key anti-inflammatory compounds found in salal is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever that is also found in aspirin. Salal is also rich in flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research studies have shown that salal may have potential in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal found that salal extract reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in mice with induced colitis. While more studies are needed to explore this effect in humans, this research shows promise for the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of salal.
Bone Effects
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, salal may also have a beneficial effect on bones. The fruit is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones. It also contains magnesium, which is important for calcium absorption and bone mineralization.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that salal extract improved bone strength and density in rats with induced osteoporosis. While more research is needed to explore the bone-protective effects of salal in humans, this study shows promise for its potential benefits.
Nutritional Values
Salal is a low-calorie fruit that is packed with vitamins and minerals. One cup of salal contains:
- Calories: 60
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Vitamin C: 16% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 1% DV
- Iron: 3% DV
- Potassium: 6% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Magnesium: 2% DV
In addition to these essential nutrients, salal also contains a number of micronutrients that have been linked to a range of potential health benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, salal is a delicious and nutritious fruit that offers a range of potential health benefits, including potent anti-inflammatory properties and possible bone-protective effects. Incorporating salal into your diet may help reduce inflammation, promote bone health, and support your overall wellbeing.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, be sure to 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.