January 17/Norton, Mass./Nottingham Evening Post -- Research commissioned by a Notts firm suggests mulberries could be the key to fending off colds and flu.

The tests, commissioned by The Progressive Food Company, Newark, showed that while superfruits like acai berry and blueberry have long been considered a natural and effective remedy, the mulberry is "significantly" more beneficial for people's health. The study, carried out by Massachusetts-based Brunswick Laboratories, revealed that mulberry juice has a higher concentration of antioxidants than orange, apple, pear or cranberry juice.

Paul Green, of The Progressive Food Company, said the findings "add credence to the long-standing use of mulberries as part of a healthy diet. Mulberries have been used around since ancient times as a food to naturally protect people from colds and other ailments, so I'm not surprised to find the fruit is a rich source of anti-oxidants," he said.

"Antioxidants are known for aiding the immune system which protects the body against germs and viruses.

"I firmly believe that 2011 will be the year that this superfruit finally gets the recognition it deserves."

From the January 24, 2011, Prepared Foods E-dition