I absolutely enjoy eating food that’s good to you and for you. Yummy in taste while also providing you with many health benefits. It’s a win-win actually. Berries are one of those foods. Not to mention, berries can be prepared and eaten in many different ways.
Berries are among the healthiest foods you can eat. Berries contain antioxidants (which help keep free radicals under control) and are a heart-healthy food. Berries are low in calories, a great source of fiber and are extremely nutritious.
Types of berries to consider adding to your diet:
- Strawberries are high in vitamin C and great for heart health, controlling blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
- Cranberries provide vitamin C and help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Acai berries are one of the best sources of antioxidant polyphenols.
- Goji berries contain high levels of vitamin A and zeaxanthin, both of which are important for eye health.
- Raspberries are a very good source of fiber, vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants. They help with eye health, cancer prevention and weight loss.
- Blueberries are a great source of vitamin K and contain the highest number of antioxidants.
- Blackberries are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and K. They improve brain health and diabetes management and may even slow or stop cancer.
- Elderberries are high in fiber, boost the immune system, reduce oxidative stress and reduce the risk of diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Let’s dive a little deeper. Berries contain several vitamins and minerals, which provide many health benefits.
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10 reasons to consider adding berries to your diet:
1. Reduces back pain.
Berries contain phytonutrients (compounds produced by plants that provide health benefits to the body) that help fight against back pain.
2. Fights inflammation in the body.
Berries have strong anti-inflammatory properties, which are excellent in aiding the reduction of inflammation throughout the body.
3. Improves brain health.
Berries help the brain get rid of toxic protein accumulation. They also help stimulate the production of new brain cells.
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4. Improves skin health.
Berries help clear up/improve skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin wrinkling.
5. Improves bladder health.
Berries help to flush out the urinary tract system. This is a great way to prevent urinary tract infections, which is a common condition that occurs when bacteria grow in the urinary tract, causing inflammation and discomfort.
6. Improves heart health.
Berries help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and may reduce oxidative stress (a condition/imbalance that occurs when the body has too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them).
7. Increases cancer prevention.
Berries help prevent many types of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.
8. Improves the function of your arteries.
Berries help the blood in our bodies flow more smoothly. They also protect artery walls from any damage and keep them from becoming stiff.
9. Improves blood sugar and insulin response.
Berries protect your cells from high blood sugar levels and help increase insulin sensitivity (how responsive the body’s cells are to insulin).
10. Reduces bloating, and belly fat and promotes weight loss.
Berries contain prebiotics that promote gut health, therefore reducing bloating and improving the body’s metabolism.
You can eat berries as a snack or incorporate them in recipes to make yummy dishes, like desserts and salads. Here’s a list of yummy berry dishes and drinks. You won’t be disappointed.
- Blueberry smoothie
- Berry salad(strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are my favorite combo)
- Berries topped with plain greek yogurt
- Mixed berry smoothie
- Berry tart
- Strawberry jam
- Raspberry jam
- French toast topped with berries
- Yogurt and berry parfait
- Blackberry turnovers
- Strawberry lemonade
- Blueberry banana bread
- Blueberry pie
So, have you considered adding berries to your diet yet? If so, your body will thank you!
