The Benefits of Berries:

We all know that fruits are good for us but we usually don’t know why. Well I’m going to be discussing the health benefits of many popular fruits so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting the next time you help yourself to a specific fruit. Today I want to fill you in on the benefits of adding berries to your daily diet.

 

The Goods on Berries:

One cup of strawberries are packed with over 100 mg of vitamin C, nearly as much as a cup of orange juice. Vitamin C is important for immune system function and it helps to strengthen connective tissue. With only 53 calories, Strawberries also add a bit of potassium, magnesium. calcium and folate.

A cup of blueberries also has a fair amount of vitamin C, minerals and phytochemicals with less than 85 calories. Cranberries, with less 45 calories, has the same amount of vitamin C as blueberries. One cup of raspberries offers vitamin C and potassium for 64 calories.

Berries are beautifully coloured, but aside from looking pretty, the pigments that give berries their blue and red hues are also good for your health. Berries contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that help to prevent some forms of cancer. Cranberries and blueberries contain a substance that can prevent bladder infections. Adding blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries to your diet can help to reduce the risk of several cancers. In addition, blueberries and raspberries contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision.

 

Buying Berries:

 Choose colourful, ripe and firm berries with no dark or mushy spots. Berries can also be found in the frozen section of your grocery store. When they are thawed, they will not be as firm as freshly picked berries, but they will still be delicious and good for you. For the freshest berries, try farmers’ markets that offer berries harvested that same day. Some farms allow you to pick your own berries.

 

What’s great is that you get all these great antioxidants and vitamins in very few calories! So you don’t have to eat a whole lot of berries to enjoy the benefits of them.

Eat Berries!

Stay Strong,

Kam.

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