Buffaloberries have been declared as the new superfood for this 2014, so now we can all say farewell to former superfoods: goji berry, acai, bee pollen, and many more. However, the decision to declare buffaloberries as the new superfood is wrapped by controversy as researchers and experts have not provided enough research-backed evidence yet on the benefits this berry has to offer.

Buffaloberries are actually small, red, and oddly enough bittersweet berries native to North American soil, according to Daily Mail. It is believed to have been one of the most nutritious fruits the Native American Indians consumed. Even a long list of animals feed on this bittersweet fruit which belongs to the genus Shepherdia.

In a study published in the Journal of Food Science, scientists claimed that these blueberries could be a valuable crop in economically underdeveloped countries. The research was carried out by researchers from Ohio State University and South Dakota State University and it was funded by a Griffith Undergraduate Research Fellowship and the Special Grants for Dietary Intervention.

The said study thoroughly examined the chemical constituents and properties of buffaloberries. It was found out that the said fruit is rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant - commonly found in tomatoes - that is potentially efficient in fighting cancer cells from proliferating. Additionally, the study also declared that buffaloberries contain methly-licopenoat acid and phenolic antioxidants that slow down the senescence of the body's cellular components. The fruit's natural acidity and high sugar content also give entrepreneurs the idea that it is a good fruit to manufacture into wine.

Nevertheless, despite the lack of assessment on the effects or possible benefits buffaloberries can bring to the human body, researchers were quick to declare that it is the new superfood for this year.

NHS criticized on its report about the said shrub that the scientists behind this new study simply claimed that because of the lycopene content of buffaloberry, it "may provide health benefits and marketable produce for consumption and sale." The NHS further opined that the researchers weren't able to identify the health benefits of the shrub to the human population; thus, re-evaluation of the study is suggested.