Coming in all shapes, sizes, colors and delicious flavors, berries are an obvious choice for this month’s superfood. These fruits can be found in an assortment of dishes, ranging from smoothies and salads, all the way to cakes and desserts. Whether it is blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or several of the other berry food groups, you are choosing not only delicious food, but a very healthy one at that.
Raspberries are among the healthiest options! Although they are used to decorate certain cakes and desserts, they can also serve as an incredible source of vitamins. They contain vitamins C and K, as well as manganese and antioxidant polyphenols known as ellagitannins which help to reduce stress. Black raspberries also serve to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, improving heart health and diminishing the chance of heart failure.
Strawberries are one of the most commonly consumed berries on the planet! They are nutrient rich, and can provide more vitamin C in one single berry than any other on the planet. These sweet and delightful fruits can not only lower your chances of heart disease, but they also vastly improve your blood sugar levels, helping to fight diabetes. In fact, studies have shown that people who consistently eat strawberries have a lower chance of obtaining type two diabetes by over 18%.
Arguably the most healthy and beneficial berry on earth, is the blueberry. To go along with their delicious tartness, these fruits contain vitamins C and K, fiber, manganese, antioxidant polyphenols and many other forms of healthy nutrients. They help to fight diabetes and heart disease like many other berries; what makes them unique, is their ability to slow down cognitive decline. This means that as you age, your brain health does not diminish. Consume more blueberries and stay sharp!
Berries are an extremely versatile food group, and can be implemented in different types of plates. Berry pie, blueberry pancakes, berry muffins, are mouthwatering options that may sound unhealthy, but are greatly improved by the ingredients contained within the fruit. Put some berries on top of your morning yogurt, or blend up some berries and make a smoothie. Acai berries are very often used in the creation of acai-bowls, topped with bananas, nuts, blueberries and raspberries. There is also an assortment of savory dishes that involve berries as well. Adding cranberries to a chicken salad filled with almonds, celery, and red onions is a great way to spice up your sandwich. Mix up some bacon, chicken, and strawberries with spinach and dressing to create an amazing salad like none other. Many chefs believe that salmon tastes better with a little sugar, and blackberry jam mixed with white wine creates an excellent glaze for this mouth-watering dish.
Get your day started right by getting the vitamins and nutrients you need, and add some delicious berries to your diet today!
Fun Facts:
A strawberry plant can reproduce berries in just two days!
Ever seen the small hairs on the outside of a berry? Those are known as ‘styles’, and are meant to protect the skin of the berry.
On earth, there are over 200 different types of raspberries!
Strawberries include natural salicylates, which are an active ingredient in aspirin. These berries can cure headaches!