A Guide to the Healthiest Types of Berries
Improving your health through your diet doesn’t have to be a chore as long as you know about the different types of berries. That’s right! One of the most overlooked foods has the potential to be one of the single-most influential parts of your diet. Virtually all berries are packed with plenty of health benefits, but some contain more nutrients than others. We are going to take a look at some of the best types of berries to help promote overall good health, improve skin quality and counter the signs of aging, and even reduce one’s risk for cancer.
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the healthiest types of berries one can consume. Why? Blueberries are considered a “powerhouse” of antioxidants because they contain high amounts of vitamins c, e, manganese, and fiber. They also happen to be very low in calories which means that you can consume as many as you like with very little worry about your waist line!
Blueberries also contain compounds called anthocyanins. These compounds neutralize the damage done by free radicals which could otherwise cause problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, ulcers, and heart disease. They are also helpful in reinforcing the stability of blood vessel walls and promoting a healthy heart. But why stop there? Studies have shown that blueberries actually protect the brain from degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other similar disorders. An in addition to all of that, blueberries a chock full of fiber which aids in the digestive process. Studies have also shown that the risk of developing colon cancer is greatly reduced in one who consumes blueberries on a regular basis.
Acai Berries
This type of berry is relatively new, and although there is still much more research to be done on them, what we have so far is very promising. Throughout Amazonian history, the acai berry has been used as a healing aid as well as a way to boost energy. These berries contain fiber, vitamins a, b1-3, c, and e, all of which work to counter the free radical cells that cause tumors which may or may not develop cancer.
Acai berries contain twice the amount of antioxidants than blueberries, which until recently were believed to have the highest antioxidant content. Most of us have heard that a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart. This is because red wine, like blueberries, contains anthocyanins. Acai actually contains about twenty times the amount of anthocyanins than red wine! This particular berry also contains a decent amount of Omega fatty acids which promote healthy brain and heart functioning. Over all, regular consumption of acai is thought to promote healthy blood vessels, stave off brain and heart disorders, as well as decrease early signs of aging and lowering one’s chances of developing cancer.
Strawberries
Strawberries are not only one of the most popular berries around, but they also have many health traits that are often overlooked. As with all other berries, strawberries are high in antioxidants which counter the negative effects of free radicals. Strawberries contain significant amounts of several b vitamins as well as vitamins c and k, manganese, magnesium, copper, and omega fatty acids. As this berry contains significant amounts of potassium and folate, that makes them a prime candidate to help reduce one’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke, as well as developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Strawberries make a great snack for diabetics because they contain about 12 percent of one’s daily recommended allowance of fiber, which plays a key role in stabilizing one’s blood sugar levels. The fiber in strawberries also helps to keep one’s cholesterol levels in check and enables the intestines to absorb nutrients more easily.
As you can probably guess, including any of these healthy types of berries in your diet can prove a huge benefit to your health—particularly your long-term health! All of the above-mentioned berries can easily be incorporated into one’s diet by being rinsed and eaten plain or as an addition to savory salads, desserts, and fruit salads.