Everyone knows that fruit is sweet and delicious. There’s hardly anything better on a hot summer day than a sweet strawberry or blackberry. They also make great desserts! But what about the health benefits of nature’s candy? Each berry has different nutrients that make it unique and it’s so important that we try and eat healthy every day. Not that we need any excuse to eat delicious fruit but it certainly helps to see how well these berries treat out bodies as well.
Strawberries
One serving of Strawberries contains 150 grams of vitamin C and can help boost immune efficiency and fight off free radicals that damage healthy DNA.
Rich in potassium, eating strawberries actually lowers your blood pressure.
Flavonoids, ellagic acid, and phenolic phytochemicals found in strawberries reduces your risk of age-related vision problems like macular degeneration.
For as sweet as they are, they are low on the glycemic index so they don’t spike your blood sugar and the dietary fiber in strawberries helps regulate glucose levels.
They contain a special anti-allergy flavonoid called fisetin, which helps the body’s immune cells control inflammatory reactions to allergens.
Red Raspberries
They are high in compounds known for having anti-cancer properties.
Eating them can result in the reduction of pain associated with arthritis and gout as they naturally reduce inflammation.
The seeds of red raspberries are high in vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and have an SPF of 25 – 50!
Blackberries
Incredibly high in Vitamin K, eat more blackberries to prevent bone thinning and bone fractures. It also helps your blood clot better and can prevent bruising.
Bone development and a healthy immune system rely on Manganese and this mineral is found in abundance in blackberries.
Studies have shown that they have abilities to fight against mouth bacteria that can cause oral diseases.
Blueberries
These delicious little morsels are really high in nutrients but low in calories so pile them high!
Extremely high in antioxidants, they help reduce DNA damage to fight against cancer and aging.
Reduce your risk of heart disease by eating 2 ounces per day. Blueberries naturally lower blood pressure.
Studies have shown that they appear to help aging neurons in your brain. Eating more blueberries can aid brain function, delay mental decline, and improve memory.
Other Berries
The list of health benefits starts to repeat itself after these top three. But make no mistake, all the summer berries have excellent health benefits. The best part is that they all taste amazing!
Some other berries that we should be on the lookout for in our neck of the woods are:
Mulberries – These grow all over the city of Rochester! Just look for the purple stains on the sidewalk.
Currants – Check out the markets. We see them all the time!
Elderberries – Some of the best jam you’ll ever have. Add some cinnamon and allspice.
Gooseberries – Taste more like a grape if you’ve never had one
We’re so excited for this growing season. It’s coming up very fast and the weather is getting nicer almost every day. See you at the market!
