Here’s why you should add berries to your diet

Berries have a lot going for them: they’re delicious, they’re nature’s candy, they’re a good source of antioxidants, and support your immune system. They can be eaten raw, added to desserts and smoothies, or used to make a variety of delicious dishes. Mouthwatering already? In fact, they’re one of the most popular fruits in the world, with around 100 different types of berries having been identified. They are eaten fresh or made into jams and juices. They are a common ingredient in pies, cakes, and other desserts.  Have you ever wondered about the benefits of berries?

They come in all shapes and sizes and pack a big bunch of antioxidants inside them and disease-fighting vitamins and minerals. They’re also an excellent source of fibre, which helps you feel full for longer and helps prevent conditions like heart disease and cancer, making them a healthy addition to your diet on a regular basis.

This article will highlight the most important nutritional benefits of berries, especially their antioxidant nature.

Antioxidants

Berries are an excellent choice for adding antioxidants to your diet, as they are low in calories and high in nutrients. Many varieties of berries are high in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help protect against diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize free radicals and protect the body from the damage they can cause. Free radicals are molecules that are unstable and can damage cells. When a free radical hits an antioxidant, it converts back into its original, stable form. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables help protect cells, DNA and other important molecules in the body from the effects of free radicals.

The most well-known antioxidants are vitamins C and E, and the minerals Zinc and Selenium. But the human body needs more than a few key antioxidants to stay healthy. It needs a wide range of antioxidants in a variety of foods, particularly those that are high in polyphenols and flavonoids.

Antioxidants can also help speed up the body’s ability to repair damaged cells and tissues. Many fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants, but berries, in particular, are high in many different types.

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Types of Berries and their benefits

Though there are over 100 different varieties of berries, let us look at some of the most popular ones:-

Strawberries: Antioxidant powerhouse and a good source of vitamin C, our beautiful strawberries also support the immune system, and help lower the blood sugar level.

Blueberries: Good source of vitamin K, which can help to lower blood pressure. Moreover, they improve heart health, and support the immune system.

Blackberries: Rich in anthocyanins.  They have the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease and have anti-inflammatory properties and some research also suggests that they may help to reduce the risk of cancer.

Raspberry: Packed with fibre and anti-inflammatory poly nutrients, which help to manage obesity and blood sugar levels.

There are a plethora of health benefits that berries offer, which include: combating cancer, managing blood sugar, improving the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and hair.  Berries are among the most antioxidant-rich foods in the world, with one cup of fresh blueberries containing as many antioxidants as a cup of green tea.

To summarize, the benefits of berries are endless, whether it be their anti-cancer properties or how they reduce skin wrinkling to give you healthy and glowing skin.

Most importantly, they are also delicious! So really, there’s no reason to not include them in your diet and take advantage of all of the nutrients packed into these nature’s candies

Thank you for reading

Team MBD

Extended reading –Berries and Nutrition: The Latest Research | NutritionFacts.org