Try GOLD - Free
Berries overhyped?
The Island
|January 12, 2026
Who hasn't seen a glossy health article or heard a social-media post calling berries "superfoods"?
-
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and their cousins fill grocery store shelves year-round, often marketed as miracle fruits that fight ageing, protect your heart and even sharpen your mind. But are these claims backed by science, or is the ad hype outpacing the facts?For decades nutrition scientists have studied berries, and there's good reason for their interest. Berries are naturally low in calories yet rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and a class of plant compounds called polyphenols, including anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant colours. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the lab, and some human studies suggest benefits for aspects of health ranging from blood pressure to brain function.
One area where berries seem to deliver is cardiovascular health.
This story is from the January 12, 2026 edition of The Island.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Island
The Island
Prof. Malalsekera outlines vision to shape ‘Tomorrow’s Surgeon’
Professor Ajith Malalsekera, on Saturday, set out an ambitious three-pillar vision to shape \"Tomorrow's Surgeon\" as he assumed office as President of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, pledging stronger emphasis on academia, integrity and accountability to meet future healthcare challenges.
2 mins
January 12, 2026
The Island
The day cricket needed a therapist
Fizz is a case study.
5 mins
January 12, 2026
The Island
More on channeling doctors
Thank you for publishing the letter by \"DR,\" in The Island of 8th January.
1 min
January 12, 2026
The Island
Counting cats, naming giants: Inside the unofficial science redefining Sri Lanka's Leopards and Tuskers
For decades, Sri Lanka's leopard numbers have been debated, estimated, and contested, often based on assumptions few outside academic circles ever questioned.
3 mins
January 12, 2026
The Island
Hayleys Chief Mohan Pandithage recognised as Businessman for Year 2025
LMD magazine has named Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC, as its Businessman for the Year 2025.
1 min
January 12, 2026
The Island
Sri Lanka sets bold target to slash cash use, seeks unified Fintech regulator
The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 concluded with industry leaders and regulators establishing two critical national priorities: a bold target to reduce physical cash usage and a push for consolidated regulatory oversight.
1 min
January 12, 2026
The Island
Kukus Group plans 18 outlets across three distinct Sri Lankan hospitality concepts
A new force in Sri Lanka's food industry, Kukus Group, is gaining momentum with a clear vision to deliver authentic cuisine, high hygiene standards, and affordability.
1 mins
January 12, 2026
The Island
Salah settles thriller as Egypt beat holders Ivory Coast
Mohamed Salah was once again on the scoresheet as Egypt beat holders Ivory Coast in an enthralling and action-packed quarterfinal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
3 mins
January 12, 2026
The Island
From Kathmandu to Casablanca, a generation under surveillance is rising up
In 2025, youth-led protests erupted everywhere, from Morocco to Nepal, Madagascar and Europe.
4 mins
January 12, 2026
The Island
Ninewells Hospital launches ‘Ninewells Eye'
Sri Lanka's first fully integrated eye care hub
1 min
January 12, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
