Overview on Berries
Fresh berries are a beloved staple of summertime healthy eating. But thanks to increases in technology and global trade, you don’t have to wait until summer to get a hold of your favorite berries. We have compiled a list of the most popular berries, and have listed their health benefits respectively.
Strawberry
Whether you load them into your smoothie or enjoy them with a dash of freshly-whipped cream, strawberries are an excellent fruit for anyone to add to their diet. There are two main types: June-bearing and the year-round variety. You can find several nutrients and antioxidants in both varieties, listed below.
Nutritional Details
- Low Calorie — only containing natural sugars
- High in Fiber — aids overall digestive health
- Vitamin C — essential to keeping your immune system running properly
- Vitamin K — assists your body in blood clotting and bone growth
- Folate — plays a significant impact on your body’s ability to process iron
- Potassium — essential to normal body functions and preventing hypertension and heart disease
- Magnesium — aids with protein building processes, cell regeneration, and energy production
Blueberry
Another great addition to a smoothie or fruit bowl, when blueberries are ripe, and in season, they provide a smooth and sweet taste to any food you add them too. They also have tremendous health benefits, if added to your diet.
Nutritional Details
- Low Calorie — only contains natural sugars
- High in Fiber — aids overall digestive health
- Vitamin B6 — Skin, Eye, and Urinary health benefits
- Vitamin C — essential to keeping your immune system running properly
- Vitamin K — assists your body in blood clotting and bone growth
- Manganese — prevents osteoporosis and pain caused by inflammation
- Copper — deficiency causes anemia-like symptoms such as fatigue and nausea
Raspberry
Although these berries are a little sour, they provide a significant amount of nutrition. Part of the sourness/acidity comes from the high concentration of vitamin C, which is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. By combining raspberries into a fruit salad with sweeter options—such as blueberries or strawberries—it curbs their sour taste and brings out the more subtle, lovable flavors of the berry.
Nutritional Details
- Low Calorie — only contains natural sugars
- High in Fiber —aids overall digestive health
- Rich in Antioxidants — prevent oxidation(the body’s natural aging process)
- High in Ellagic Acid — a unique compound that prevents cancer
- Assist Weight Loss — raspberries have the exclusive property of helping you lose weight
- Vitamin C — essential to keeping your immune system running properly
- Manganese — prevents osteoporosis and pain caused by inflammation
- Folic Acid — plays a significant impact on your body’s ability to process iron
