Did you know that berries are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods available today?  These superfoods are loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, making them an essential part of your healthy diet.  And berries taste great too!  Who doesn’t like to have pancakes topped with fresh berries or a bowl full of yogurt with berries on top?  This is your guide to berries: one of the best tasting and healthiest superfoods.

Rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals

Berries are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals; all of which are important for good health.  Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, which helps heal wounds and is necessary for strong immune function. ¹  Blueberries contain the B complex vitamins, which work together to regulate metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, and promote cell growth and division. ²

Another great reason to eat berries is that they are rich in minerals.  Minerals are the tools used by the body to perform many important metabolic processes.  Berries are a great source of potassium, which helps maintain the acid/alkaline balance within the body.  Berries also contain many other essential minerals such as: calcium and magnesium for strong bones, zinc for a healthy immune system and manganese for antioxidant protection. ³

Phytochemicals are found in many different fruits and vegetables.  These nutrients give fruits and vegetables their color, smell, taste and texture.  There are hundreds of studies that suggest a diet including plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and many other chronic diseases. ⁴  A daily serving of berries brings you closer to recommended 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables.

A low calorie/low glycemic food

Berries are a low calorie/low glycemic food that can be enjoyed by everyone.  If you are trying to lose weight, have a cup of berries as a snack.  Berries also make a great desert.  Put a little bit of stevia or raw honey on top of your berries for a sweet treat.

Most berries also have a low glycemic index, which means they may be suitable for diabetics.  Eat your berries with some nuts or yogurt to lower the glycemic index even further.  We always recommend checking with your doctor before making any changes in your diet.

Rich in antioxidants; good for anti-aging

Want to look younger?  Eat your berries.  Berries are loaded with antioxidants, which have been shown slow down the aging process by minimizing the effects of free radicals.  If free radicals are not kept in check, they may harm your body tissues and cause premature aging as well as disease. ⁵

There is a measurement used to determine the antioxidant strength of foods.  This measurement is called the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).  Berries rank among some of the highest ORAC foods available, providing more antioxidant protection than most vegetables.

Making berries a part of your daily diet is a smart way to increase your vitality and longevity.  And did we mention they taste good too?  Try to eat about a cup of berries every day.  Also make sure to include a variety of berries in your diet such as: strawberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries.  This way you will receive a wider variety of phytochemicals.  Organic berries are always best.  And remember to have a berry nice day! 

Sources:

1. Nutritional Benefits of Eating Berries.  Shereen Jegtvig.  About.com: Nutrition.  http://nutrition.about.com/od/healthyfood1/a/berries.htm
2. Blueberry Nutrition Information.  Simply-Blueberries.com.  http://www.simply-blueberries.com/blueberry-nutrition.html
3. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries all contain powerful phytochemicals that fight cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and more.  Mike Adams.  NaturalNews.com.  http://www.naturalnews.com/001505.html
4. Fighting Disease Using Phytochemicals.  Andrea Platzman, M.S., R.D.  Food Product Design.  http://www.foodproductdesign.com/articles/463/463_0498NN.html
5. Antioxidants and Aging.  Antioxidant Health: Your anti-aging resource.  http://www.antioxidantshealth.com/

This entry was posted on Monday, November 3rd, 2008 at 8:45 pm and is filed under Diet, Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.