Nutritionists warn that people in the Pacific are at risk of obesity on a Western diet
Nutritionists warn that people in the Pacific are at risk of obesity on a Western diet Reuters/Lucy Nicholson

According to The Australian, to tackle obesity-linked diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a handful of rasberries or a cup of blueberry juice should be taken daily.

A research by Yves Dserjardins of Laval University in Canade showed that losing 10 per cent of body weight and putting a stop to overall weight gain can be accomplished with the daily intake of a handful of berries. This benefit is not linked to their antioxidant properties but to the ability of special polyphenol compounds which help reduce obesity. Berries, like rasberries, strawberries, blacberries, blueberries and cranberries, have a high concetration of the polyphenol compounds.

Desjardins said that the research provides a shift in approaching diet-related disease, coming to the conclusion that restoring bacterial balance through food choices is important to maintain good health.

The berries also helped the good microflora to alter the sensitivity of the insulin, in turn pushing away the possibility of obesity-linked type 2 diabetes.

He said that when one is obese or is on a 'McDonalds' diet, the dominant bacteria in the gut tends to release fatty acids, adding on to the body weight, affecting the liver by making it unhealthy and also developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. To become healthy again, the gut balance needs to be restored by bringing in the good microbacteria which can be done by consuming small amount of berries.

The research found that those who consumed a handful of berries or its juice daily didn't gain weight or develop diabetes as quickly as those who don't consume it.

Richard McGruddy, the owner of the Red Hill Berries, north of Brisbane, Australia, said that the flavour and taste of the new varieties of berries are being identified by consumers as they know they are healthy to eat.

Livestrong Web site reported that in addition to helping protect the body from obesity-related diabetes, berries, in specific blueberries, help the brain as the anthocyanins in it help increase brain signals and memory function.

Blueberries also reduce the risk of cancer as it has a high concentration of antioxidants which prevent damage of cells. They also contain antiprofelerative properties which is required to slow and put an end to the growth of the cancer cells.