Chemistry and biochemistry of dietary carotenoids: bioaccessibility, bioavailability and bioactivities
Cheng Yang, Lianfu Zhang, Rong Tsao
Abstract
Cherry laurel (dark purple or black when mature) is a popular summer fruit in the Black Sea region of Turkey. It has been gaining popularity as a valuable source of healthy fruit over the last two decades and is a good source of nutrients and polyphenols together with high antioxidant activity. This contribution discusses nutritional characteristics, antioxidants, polyphenols, and health benefits of cherry laurel. Where available, comparisons are made with other cherry fruits (Cornelian, sweat, and sour) and blueberry. Although several health benefits of this fruit and its seeds have been known as home-made and traditional medicine, in vivo and well-designed human clinical trials are scarce. Therefore, additional carefully-designed human clinical trials are needed to validate the health benefits of this fruit.