Wild berries: a good source of omega-3

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Mar;61(3):431-3. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602512. Epub 2006 Aug 9.

Abstract

It has been reported that some wild green vegetables are good sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid). Using available data from the Norwegian food composition table, the present study shows that three common Nordic berries (blueberry, cloudberry and cowberry) on average contain 0.7 g of fat (=21% of total energy) and 0.25 g ALA (=36% of total fat) per 100 g, which is quite similar to what has been reported for the ALA-rich wild green vegetables. In addition, this study shows that a hypothetical replacement of 5% of Norwegian 8th grade girls' diet, with a similar energy amount of wild berries, would significantly improve the diet - also improve intake of nutrients not commonly associated with berries.

MeSH terms

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / analysis*
  • Food Analysis
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Norway
  • Nutritive Value
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid / analysis*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid