Awesome Benefits Of Berries For Diet And Health:
By Chef K.T. Murphy
Berries are more than just delicious additions to smoothies or yogurt. They are tasty, natural enhancers that are sweet delights! The benefits of incorporating berries into your diet are endless. What’s unique about these fruits is that each berry brings its own unique advantage to your health. Follow me as we embark on the wonders of “nature’s candy.”
Berries Are A Great Source of Antioxidants
Berries are a great source of antioxidants that help defend your cells to ward off harmful diseases. One study found that consuming a cup of blueberries, strawberries. or blackberries a day provides all of the antioxidants you need to defend against harmful agents.
WebMD says that blackberries specifically have been used to fight against cancer, reduce the risk of having a stroke. Berries that have a rich, blue, or purple hue contain the most antioxidants. It is proven that their color is the source of their antioxidant power.
They Help Fight Cravings
Certain berries have the benefit of curbing your appetite and tasting delicious. Blueberries are excellent for those times when you experience pesky cravings. Berries rich in fiber, such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries will keep you full in-between meals.
They are also excellent digestive aids! Along with keeping you satisfied, they are also great for digestion and metabolism.
Berries are Immune Boosters
If you’re fighting a persistent cold or allergies, elderberry juice may help build your immune system. Elderberries, when cooked, provide antibacterial and anti-infectious benefits.
Caution must be taken when consuming elderberries raw, as certain properties of this fruit are toxic. Have no fear, a study conducted by Columbia University found that consuming three cups of any berries weekly, could also decrease allergy symptoms and boost immunity.
They Help Your Brain Function
Do you sometimes walk into a room and forget why you went in there? Or, do you miss deadlines simply because you couldn’t recall the due date? Perhaps you could indulge in a big plate of berries to help increase your memory.
WebMD says, strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries help to fight against harmful elements that can ruin your brain cells. These berries improve your ability to recall information, which keeps your brain young and active!
Blueberries may also increase your concentration, enabling you to be healthy and productive. Taking in a cup a day will build your brain and keep it strong.
Ladies Love Yummy Berries!
WebMD says that certain berries like cranberries or juniper berries have been known to protect against urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Raw cranberry juice and cranberry extract have been a lifesaver during menstrual cycles for women.
With cramp-fighting compounds such as Calcium and Magnesium, cranberries can help alleviate the pain associated with periods. The key is consistent consumption. Eating cranberries or drinking cranberry juice one to two weeks before your menstrual cycle is due, will help your body build a defense against the dreaded cramp.
Berries Make You Beautiful
Who could say no to eating a yummy fruit that can increase your beauty? Acai berries are “the new black” of the beauty world and the benefits are glowing…literally. Consuming Acai berries can improve your skin, which results in a healthy and beautiful glow. Many combine different types of berries in an Acai bowl to obtain all sorts of health benefits all at once!
Berries are an essential part of healthy living. Their beauty is unique and their flavors are irresistible. Incorporating these fantastic fruits in conjunction with a balanced diet will help you live your best life!
Tips and Tricks:
- If you deal with texture issues, smoothies are a great alternative to eating raw berries. The great thing about making a berry smoothie is that you can combine many different ones in order to consume the varying benefits each fruit has to offer. You can also incorporate berries into your snacks by adding them to Greek yogurt.
- Healthy spreads such as Hazelnut, make great dips for strawberries and raspberries. If you find blueberries to be rather tart, mix them with a dash of raw honey to create a level of sweetness. The possibilities of creative control are endless when it comes to matters of the berry. Find what you like and don’t be afraid to experiment!
All the best, Good Food makes For Better Decisions.
Chef Murph
