Berry Strongwith nutrients and antioxidants
- Berries are FULL of Nutrition
- Eat a cup of strawberries to get over 100 mg of vitamin C, almost as much as a cup of orange juice. Vitamin C boosts our immune system for fighting enemies of our body. With only 53 calories, strawberries add a bit of calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium. Or 1 cup of blueberries offers a smaller amount of vitamin C, minerals and phytochemicals for only 83 calories. Get the same effects from cranberries, but with only 44 calories, while 1 cup of raspberries offers vitamin C and potassium for 64 calories.
- Berries Pack a Punch
- Berries have phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help to prevent some diseases. While cranberries and blueberries have a substance that may prevent bladder infections. Eat a diet rich in blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries and it may even help reduce your risk of several types of cancers. Have some blueberries and raspberries which also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision. Strawberries are also high in fiber, folate, potassium and antioxidants, making them a natural means of reducing the chances of heart disease & high blood pressure. The total antioxidant levels of blueberries are twice that of spinach and three times that of oranges. This berry blue berry fruit is also rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown in several research studies to be effective in lowering cholesterol.
Choosing Berries
Look for colorful, dry, firm & ripe berries with no signs of mold or mushy spots. You can also find berries in the frozen section. Let them thaw and they will not be as firm as fresh berries, but they are still delicious and good for you. For the freshest berries, try farmers' markets & Whole Foods that offer berries harvested that day. Some places will even let you pick your own berries. Berries should be eaten within a week after purchase.
Eating Berries
Most berries come dried and can be easily added to a nut mix or to cereal for a nice zaz of taste & nutrition. You can also find them in the frozen section and throw them in your shakes for added flavor. Or just eat them frozen...if that doesn't give you the chills.