Berries pack a sweet health punch

Colorful, bit-size and oh-so sweet, berries are delicious and highly beneficial. They may be small in size, but berries really pack a punch when it comes to improving your health. And there is a berry out there for everyone, with different textures, flavors and dessert possibilities!

Some berry facts: A berry is classified as a fleshy fruit. It can contain one or many seeds. Berry-producing plants are called bacciferous. Berries are so common that you probably think you have a good grasp on them, but did you know that a strawberry, raspberry and boysenberry are not actually berries? It’s true!

Botanically speaking, a tomato is more so a berry than a strawberry, and a pomegranate is also more a berry than a raspberry. So although the word berry is in the name, it doesn’t always make it a true berry.

Here’s a list then of true berries that you should be eating daily for their health benefits.

Best berries for you

Goji berries: Goji berries contain many antioxidants which are beneficial to health as they can help fight against free-radical damage. They may also boost your immune system and promote eye health. Goji berries have been most commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Goji berries contain fiber; they have no fat and are low in calories, so they make a great daily snack, especially for someone looking to lose weight. Unless you’re on blood thinners or diabetes medication, goji berries are safe to consume.

Blueberries: Manganese, fiber and vitamin K is what you can find in these tiny berries. You can get an energy boost from them, stay regular and promote bone health as well.

Harvard School of Public Health had women consume blueberries and strawberries and found a reduction in the risk of a heart attack by 32 percent. For best results, three servings a day is ideal.

Acai berries: Pronounced ah-sigh-EE, these berries resemble grapes. Most commonly grown in South America, acai berries contain antioxidants, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E, Omega-3, 6 and 9, calcium, iron, potassium, electrolytes and trace minerals. So as you can see, it’s no wonder these berries are highly beneficial for good health.

Acai berries contain the highest amounts of antioxidants among all fruits which make them a superberry when it comes to protecting the body. This level of antioxidants can help boost the immune system, so if you can get them naturally from berries that’s even better!

Antioxidants have also been shown to improve cognitive ability, as showcased by the Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care review in 2009. And if your interest is in cleansing the body to remove toxins, look no further than the acai berry as it can aid in that as well. Their fiber content can help with digestion and stiffen up stool for people who experience diarrhea. Further, they can keep you regular as well so the proper removal of waste can occur.

Blackberries: Similar to other berry varieties, blackberries also contain antioxidants which we now know can improve all major functions in the body. Researchers in Italy studied the effects of blackberry juice in regard to heart health. They found the antioxidants in blackberries were enough to protect the heart against cardiovascular disease.

Other research, published in Nutritional Neuroscience, found that blackberries could help improve the motor skills which may deteriorate through aging. Researchers found that rats who had consumed blackberries for eight weeks had improved motor skills, including balance, motor performance and coordination.

Berry healthy recipes

Now that you’re aware of all berries health benefits, you’re ready to start incorporating berries into your diet! Here are some berry recipes which highlight berries health benefits.

Antioxidant powerhouse smoothie

Ingredients:

½ cup cubed frozen mango
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 ½ cup unsweetened coconut water
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
¼ avocado
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne
1 tablespoon chia seeds

Blend all the ingredients together and serve. Makes one serving.

Mixed Berry Salad

By picking up some of your favorite varieties of berries, simply cut them up and mix them together for an antioxidant-rich berry salad.

As a dressing, combine balsamic vinegar and a small amount of sugar. Simply pour the dressing on top and let the berries soak it up.

Lastly, berries can simply be enjoyed on their own as well, so packing yourself a container of them before you head out can give you a boost throughout your day, along with the added benefits that come with their antioxidants. So if you’re looking for a sweet snack or fresh dessert with lots of variety, look no further than berries.

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