Japanese silverberry, also known as Elaeagnus umbellate, is a small shrub native to Japan, Korea, and China. Although it’s also grown in other parts of the world, its properties and benefits have yet to be fully appreciated by many. In this article, we’ll explore the anti-inflammatory benefits of Japanese silverberry, its impact on bone health, and its nutritional values.

Japanese Silverberry: A Nutrient-Dense Fruit

Japanese silverberry is a small, egg-shaped fruit with a silvery, scaly skin. Its fleshy insides are sweet in taste and have a juicy, tart flavor with a crunchy texture. However, what’s most notable about this fruit is its impressive nutritional profile. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database, one cup (150 grams) of Japanese silverberry contains the following:

• 43 calories
• 1.2 grams of protein
• 0.5 grams of fat
• 10 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 gram of fiber
• 7.1 grams of sugar
• 21.4 milligrams of vitamin C (36% of the daily value)
• 176 milligrams of potassium (5% of the daily value)
• 38 milligrams of calcium (4% of the daily value)
• 0.5 milligrams of iron (3% of the daily value)

Japanese silverberry also contains small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Japanese Silverberry

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Luckily, consuming anti-inflammatory foods like Japanese silverberry can help reduce inflammation levels and provide numerous health benefits.

Japanese silverberry contains significant amounts of flavonoids, which are natural compounds known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that flavonoids can help reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and improve immune system function.

In addition, Japanese silverberry also contains vitamin C, which is another powerful antioxidant that’s been linked to reduced inflammation levels in the body. Vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones, skin, and connective tissues.

Bone Health Benefits of Japanese Silverberry

Not only is Japanese silverberry rich in vitamin C, but it’s also a good source of calcium – a mineral that’s crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones. In fact, one cup of Japanese silverberry contains about 10% of the daily recommended intake for calcium.

Calcium is a mineral that’s essential for bone health and several other bodily functions. It’s necessary for proper nerve and muscle function, blood clotting, and enzyme activation. Low calcium intake can lead to weakened bones, which can increase the risk of fractures, especially in older adults.

Food Combining and Dietary Advice

To enhance the anti-inflammatory and nutritional benefits of Japanese silverberry, consider combining it with other nourishing foods. For example, adding Japanese silverberry to smoothies made with kale, spinach, or other leafy greens can provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals that support optimal health.

You may also want to avoid consuming Japanese silverberry with foods that are high in fat or sugar, as these can increase inflammation levels in the body. Instead, pair Japanese silverberry with lean protein sources like grilled chicken or fish, brown rice, and other complex carbohydrates.

Japanese Silverberry Smoothie Recipe

To create a delicious and nutrient-dense smoothie, try blending the following ingredients together:

• 1 cup of Japanese silverberry
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup of kale
• 1/2 cup of spinach
• 1/2 cup of almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 scoop of protein powder

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender until smooth and creamy. This smoothie is packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japanese silverberry is a nutrient-dense fruit that provides numerous health benefits. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids – all of which help maintain optimal health and reduce inflammation levels in the body. Additionally, Japanese silverberry can improve bone health, immune system function, and provide numerous other benefits when properly incorporated into a well-rounded, healthy diet.

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, and please come back again soon!