The Benefits of Berries

Berries are chocked full of amazing vitality.. phytochemicals, lutein, flavanoids,  minerals and vitamins – especially vitamin C – and oh so much more. Everyone on the planet, unless you have a reason you can’t, should consider eating berries when they are in-season. The big picture is that they provide nourishment tools for everything from your eyes to your skin. Simply a phenomenal food, they are delicious as well.

When it comes to berries, organic is better because you are eating the skin. This is most especially true for strawberries – you don’t want the chemicals they put on strawberries so eat them organic.

Here are a few factoids about your favorite berries:

Strawberry: 1 cup of strawberries contains 100 mg of vitamin C which is very nourishing for your immune system (Buy organic, non-organic strawberries are on the list of “Dirty Dozen” as one of the most contaminated foods from pesticides)

Blueberry:  a diet rich in blueberries is known to lower cholesterol thus reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. There was even a study conducted which showed promising findings that blueberries may help reduce belly fat.  (Buy organic, non-organic strawberries are on the list of “Dirty Dozen” as one of the most contaminated foods from pesticides)

Blackberry: True of all berries, blackberries contain ellagic acid which is an antioxidant which has been shown to protect the skin from ultraviolet damage. There is some newer research suggesting ellagic acid may even repair skin damaged by the sun and possibly even have anti-cancer properties according to the American Cancer Society. They’ve also been shown to reduce inflammation and PMS symptoms, as well as provide important fiber and for normal clotting of blood. Food Facts explains all of this and more.

Cranberry: “In 1998, researchers from Rutgers University identified condensed tannins, or proanthocyanidins, in cranberries that prevent E.Coli from adhering to cells in the urinary tract, causing the bacteria to be flushed out.”
You’ll enjoy reading more about how amazing cranberries are on HealingLifestyles.com.

Read more at Suite101: Health Benefits of Blackberries: A Small Berry with Big Nutritional Benefit

How do you choose berries wisely? First, consider purchasing your berries at a local farmers market to get the freshest of the fresh. At the very least, do some research online to find out what’s fresh seasonally. Berries are typically great to eat during the summer!

Look for berries that are ripe, colorful and firm. Ideally you don’t want berries to have any mushy or mold spots. If you can buy your berries at a farmers market, you typically get a more nutrient-rich berry. Frozen is a decent alternative to fresh berries and makes a smoothie out of this world.

To Contact Dr. Dees:

Karen Spencer Dees, Ph.D.
Board Certified Holistic Nutrition
www.karenspencerdees.com
DrDees@comcast.net
http://opp.sunrider.com/DrKarenSpencerDees/
978-443-3039