One of the keys to healthy eating is focusing on nutritional density, and berries are the most nutritionally-dense fruits out there, loaded with antioxidants such as flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. So snag some blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries and start munching.
Here are 4 great reasons why berries are so important to eat on a regular basis. Eat them if you would like to have:
- Better cell function for better general health
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s
- Reduce risk of heart disease and stroke
All of these improved health factors come down to the following compounds found in berries:
Antioxidants - One of the most game-changing properties of berries is their antioxidant power, which helps keep free radicals in check and fights inflammation so your cells function better. These chemicals, which include vitamins A, C and E, protect cells from damage and possibly from disease. Berries are loaded with them.
Resveratrol - Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and blackberries are known as some of the world’s best dietary sources of bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and resveratrol. These compounds are found to help lower inflammation, prevent clogged arteries, offer cancer protection and positive effects on such conditions as Alzheimer’s and macular degeneration.
Flavonoids - There are over 4,000 compounds classified as flavonoids. Naturally occurring plant pigments, flavonoids are one of the reasons why berries are so good for you. Among the many benefits attributed to flavonoids are reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma and stroke.
So go ahead and add berries to your smoothies, yogurt, cereal and desserts! They are so yummy especially when in season and as you can see really healthy too.
Looking for some fun and fancy recipes to include more berries in your diet? Be sure to check out the links below for some of our favorite recipes: