The Amazing Health Benefits of Berries
If you're offered a pill that helps you lose weight, feel full, and prevent illness, you'd instantly take it, won't you? What if it tastes great as well? Thankfully, you don't need to see your doctor for that type of prescription. Just visit your local grocery store today and choose a wide variety of fresh berries. Berries are special kinds of fruits that contain a high level of phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring nutrients that protect your cells from damage. So enjoy some of the benefits of berries like acai, blueberries, pomegranate, cranberries and black berries.
Acai Berry
The
acai berry is one of the most powerful antioxidants available. This Brazilian fruit is tart and contains plenty of fiber. Once only found in the Amazon rainforests, acai berry was a traditionally powerful energy-boosting and healing fruit. Like red wine, this fruit contains high amounts of anthocyanins -antioxidants linked to reduced levels of cholesterol and heart health. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, acai berry is also associated with slowing the aging process and preventing diseases associated with cellular oxidative damage. Just one piece of fruit contains 10 times the level of antioxidants in grapes, and twice the amount of antioxidants in blueberries.
Blueberry
Blueberries contain 85% water, making them a perfect fruit to eat for people who want to lose some pounds. They also contain powerful antioxidants that may help with age-related memory loss, arthritis, cataracts, as well as other eyesight problems. Eating blueberries also reduces your chances of developing conditions associated with the redness of cells. This can include a lowered risk for cancer, heart disease, peptic ulcers, varicose veins, glaucoma and hemorrhoids.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a very popular fruit that's loaded with nutrients. It originated in Pakistan, parts of Northern Indian, Afghanistan and Iran, though it's also grown in Southeast Asia, Peninsular Malaysia, Armenia, California, tropical Africa and other areas. Pomegranate has an extremely leathery outer surface that may be red, purple or orange-yellow. The inner part of the fruit is filled with red/pink arils with juicy, sweet seeds inside. Rich in antioxidants equal to the levels in red wine and green tea, and especially rich in potassium and vitamin C, pomegranate is known to help lower the risk of cancer (especially breast and prostate), and heart disease. It also lessens the symptoms of diarrhea, helps reduce cholesterol, fights cell damage and helps control your weight. Pomegranate is one of a few fruits in which the juice is almost as beneficial as the seeds or fruit. Although the peel can't be eaten, it has the most antioxidants, which are released aplenty when you squeeze the fruit for juicing.
Cranberry
Research continues to show the many health
benefits of cranberry. Tart and tangy, cranberries contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can benefit the immune system, cardiovascular system and prevent cancer. They also have tannins, which contain anti-clotting properties. Apart from its rich antioxidant content, cranberry also boasts vitamins C and A, fiber, potassium and more. Among other benefits, cranberry can increase good cholesterol, or HDL, and can also help keep urinary tract infections at bay. Cranberries are a healthy addition in any diet, whether you enjoy them as sauce, juice, fresh or dried. To get the most nutrients and antioxidants, choose dried or fresh cranberries. Cranberry juice, especially 100% pure juice, is very popular. Just don't buy one with added sugar. Cranberry "cocktails" or "drinks" contain sugar, water and sweeteners have the least amount of antioxidants. Fresh cranberries may be boiled into chutney or tangy sauce and make an excellent addition to roasted fowl or pork.
Blackberry
Blackberries are tasty fruits filled with polyphenols, which can help prevent heart disease and even some types of cancer. They consist of more than 85% water as well as a healthy dose of fiber, making them great to eat for those who are trying to lose a few pounds, reduce cholesterol, or control type 2 diabetes. Blackberries are a great source of a B vitamin known as folate, which may help lower the risk of heart disease and maintain healthy hair. In addition, blackberries are loaded with powerful antioxidants that may help fight cancer, arthritis, age-related loss of memory, cataracts, glaucoma and other eyesight conditions. What's more, blackberries are rich in vitamin C as well as a good amount of vitamin A, iron and calcium. You can eat blackberries raw, or bake them and then spread on a whole-grain toast. Not matter how you eat them; blackberries are always tasty and beneficial. All in all, all of these berries have been proven to be among the healthiest foods on earth. So make sure you dig into different varieties regularly if you want to reap the maximum benefits of berries. To get the most health benefits, eat or three types of berries each day. If you find that keeping these nutritious powerhouse foods available in your home is too difficult, try Kylea's
Total Living Drink Berry. Each scoop provides the nutritional equivalent of 5-7 servings of fresh, organic berry juice.
