It's berry season in many parts of the world folks! Not only are there delicious many varieties of berries available now but they are all very good for you. Come with me as I take you on a delectable and nutritious tour through some of these great choices!
Ellagic acid is another important phytochemical in virtually all berries. More than a simple antioxidant, ellagic acid also blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer. In animals, it has inhibited development of colon, esophageal, liver, lung and skin cancers stemming from a variety of carcinogens.
Here is a handful (pardon the pun) of highly recommended berries for healthy living.
Strawberries
Photo Credit: healthyhipster.blogspot(dot)com |
This low calorie, high nutrient berry stands at the top of the pile (or bushel) for its above average benefits.
One cup of strawberries contains over 100% of the daily recommendation for Vitamin C.
Amazing.
This is not the only vitamin present in this superfood, an ample supply of B Vitamins is found providing at least 7% of the daily requirement. Manganese, a metal needed for enzyme performance in the body is also found in these berries.
The reason why strawberries are red is because they containing high concentrations of phenols. Phenols protect against heart disease, various inflammatory diseases and all known cancers.
They have been shown to be effective against certain kinds of eye disease according per a study printed in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
Believe it or not, blueberries are a member of the same plant family as azaleas.
You can get up to 30% of your daily requirements of Vitamin C, 20% of manganese, and 10% of Vitamin E daily requirements from a single serving of blueberries.
These nutritional wonders are very high in anthocyanins a compound with impressive health-generating properties. Many of these compounds are key in fortifying cellular and tissue structures.
They contain anti-cancer abilities and reduce many of the causes of cardiovascular issues.
If you're going to use blueberries in recipes, be sure to look for healthy recipes that also include whole grains, other fruits and healthy oils such as canola oil.
Watch out for excessive amounts of sugar and unhealthy fats.
Acai Berries
1.) |
These berries are commonly mistaken for grapes.
Acai berries have long been a diet staple of denizens of the Amazon.
These berries have a notoriously short shelf life lasting only 24 hours unfrozen. Advancements in refrigeration technology have finally allowed these berries to travel outside of The Amazon rainforests.
Acai berries are high in Vitamin A, iron, calcium, protein, and saturated fats. They also contain high amounts of polyphenols which are believed to possess an anti leukemia capability.
These berries are also thought to lower cholesterol in the blood.
Cranberries
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The cranberry is grown and harvested in bogs and harvested after sitting in water and out in the sun.
This allows cranberries to have very high levels of 5 types of phytonutrients.
These plant-based nutrients have anti-bacterial effects that work in the bladder and digestive system. These compounds also have anti-cancer properties.
A little-known health effect related to cranberries is improved dental health. These berries facilitate scale back the effects of gum disease within the mouth.
Cranberries are part of the same botanical family as the blueberry.
Raspberries
Photo Credit: healthbarnusa(dot)com |
Raspberries grow on thorny vines which actually makes sense when you consider they are a member of the rose family.
These berries are fairly simple to grow at home provided you do not mind the vine thorns when picking them.
Raspberries are high in manganese, magnesium, Vitamin C. They are also a terrific source of several sorts of Vitamin B, Vitamin A and iron.
There you have it, a group of berries so important they had to be individually listed.
I don't know about you, but I'm about to get myself a nice bowl of berries with yogurt, kick back and take it easy!
Tell us in the comments below what your favorite berries are and how you enjoy them!
1.) Photo credit: eliduke via Foter.com / CC BY-SA
2.) Photo credit: SkyWhisperer via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-SA
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2.) Photo credit: SkyWhisperer via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-SA
Like what you're reading? We knew you would! Get instant access to all future KurtMIND updates! Join The Health Revolution!! Sign up using our sign-up options in the "Followers" box to the right! Get the RSS feed too! Don't get left behind! "Your Health Is Your Wealth!!"