I don’t know with you but I think berries are gifts from heaven. Their vibrant hues are pleasing to the eyes you immediately want to grab them as soon as you set your eyes on the colorful fruits. For those of you who have gone berry picking, you must know what I mean. And then, as soon as you get to taste them, the flavors seem to explode inside your mouth. Berries are versatile. They can be taken as is, incorporated into a salad with other fresh fruits, with your morning bowl of oatmeal, or as a smoothie. So you see, there really is no reason for you not to be able to sneak in berries in your regular diet.

A lot of studies have been conducted as to the health effects of berries to man. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries are chock-full of vitamins and minerals that researchers have dubbed them as ‘super fruits’. They are excellent sources of vitamins A, B6, C and K, potassium, manganese, folate, magnesium, calcium, fiber and antioxidants. If you ever find yourself in a quandary as to what fruit to choose for the table at home, go for berries of any kind. Not only do you get to enjoy the flavor, you also get to enjoy the health benefits.

Here are eight good reasons why you should eat berries:

• They boost your Immune System

  Your health depends on how healthy your immune system is. The immune system is the body’s first line of defense. As soon as the cells of your immune system detect something foreign inside the body, they immediately consider it as an enemy and they launch an all-out attack rendering the pathogen helpless thus allowing you to avoid what was supposed to be an illness. If, however, your immune system is weak, you will be more prone to developing illnesses that can be easily avoided. This is why it is important that you give your immune system a boost.

  The antioxidants found in berries act to boost the function of the immune system by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause the body harm and can actually cause disease.

• They help reduce cancer risks

  Cancer is usually triggered when the DNA structure of the cell is damaged or injured, causing it act aberrantly and abnormally. Free radicals are the culprits behind DNA damage in cells. These substances are by-products of the oxidative process and they can cause serious harm to the body. But antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and render them ineffective. There are a lot of sources of antioxidants and the market has grown. What is important is that you choose the right ones.

  A clinical trial conducted at Ohio State University’s College Medicine revealed that rats that were given a diet consisting of berries significantly reduced their risk of developing colon, esophageal and oral cancer by up to 50 percent as compared to rats that were not fed with berries. Researchers concluded that berries have potent compounds that fight cancer – fiber, folic acid, calcium and different phytochemicals.

• They are rich sources of fiber

  Fiber has a lot of health benefits to the human body. For one, it helps normalize and regulate bowel movements, making sure that you do not suffer from constipation. Normal bowel movements ensure that your body is getting rid of toxins and wastes and that they do not accumulate inside your system. Second, fiber helps lower bad cholesterol levels. Fiber sweeps cholesterol and flushes them out of your body. Having high levels of the bad form of cholesterol in your blood stream could cause life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart attack, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Third, fiber helps you lose weight. For people who have been trying so hard to lose the extra pounds, berries can help you achieve your goals. The fiber found in berries actually helps you to feel full for longer periods of time. The longer the time that you feel full, the less frequent you eat.

• They contain potassium

  Potassium is an important electrolyte necessary for proper cellular function. Also, it ensures that the heart’s rhythm remains normal. It prevents arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rhythm. Additionally, potassium is also a vital mineral that is needed by the body to keep the tissues, muscles, kidneys, brain and heart functioning properly. Potassium deficiencies are often signaled by severe headaches, anemia, heart palpitation, abnormal heartbeat, slow reflexes, muscle weakness and fatigue. In order to get your daily dose of potassium, make sure that you eat foods such as berries.

• They are good for brain health

  Aging certainly affects how the brain functions in such a way that it becomes less efficient. The answer to this is found in berries. The United States’ Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging conducted a study on the health benefits of berries. Investigators found out that the polyphenol content of berries actually promotes brain health.

• They help with weight loss

  As previously mentioned, the berries contain fiber that helps with weight loss. Fiber helps you feel full faster and you don’t go hungry for longer periods. Additionally, berries contain anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant. Anthocyanin has been said to possess the capability to alter your fat cells’ genetic activity thereby making it difficult for you to gain weight if you practice regular consumption of anthocyanins.

• They are good for the eyes

  Healthy vision is important as it allows you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. If you want to keep your eyes healthy, make sure that you eat berries regularly. Located in the skin of the berries are compounds called lutein. These contribute to the promotion of healthy vision.

• They are good for your heart

  Berries contain folate, fiber and potassium which, studies show, help fight cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure. Folate also acts by lowering homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine increases one’s risk for heart disease. Also, the antioxidants found in berries help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Once cholesterol is not oxidized, it cannot stick to the walls of the arteries anymore.

Sources
besthealthmag.ca
fitsugar.com
medscape.com
organicfacts.net