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13 healthy reasons to eat berries... now!

By on November 18, 2013
berries

Shared in collaboration from www.naturallysavvy.com.

By Jill Ettinger.

While (in the Northern Hemisphere) summer may have passed, you can still enjoy one of the great–and healthier– joys of the season; eating berries.

Berries of all kind —blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry— are available frozen if you can’t find them fresh, and, as if you needed a reason for enjoying them, here are 13 reasons to make berries a part of your diet all year long:

 

1. They’re low-sugar fruits: Unlike grapes—another popular fruit—berries tend to be lower in sugar and thus healthier for your blood sugar levels.

2. Blackberries are high in folate: That’s good news for you pregnant ladies or those trying to conceive.

3. Fiber: Berries are an excellent source of fiber, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, improve digestion and keep you feeling fuller longer.

4. High water content: Juicy berries are loaded with water, which keeps you hydrated and is good for your blood sugar levels as well as keeping you feeling fuller longer.

5. Antioxidant boost: The rich, gorgeous colors of berries means they’re loaded with good-for-you antioxidants that boost immune function and reduce oxidative stress.

6. Cancer protection: Blueberries’ robust antioxidant content has been linked with decreased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.

7. Reduce inflammation: Quercetin—an antioxidant in berries—can reduce inflammation, which is related to illnesses including heart disease and arthritis.

8. Lose troublesome belly fat: Belly fat may be an indicator of higher risk for certain diseases including diabetes and heart disease. Blueberries may be helpful in boosting fat-burning in the abdomen and lowering dangerous triglyceride levels.

9. Mineral boost: Not only are berries full of antioxidant rich vitamins, they’re also loaded with crucial minerals including magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese.

10. Great for the skin: Not just from the antioxidants and high water content in the berries you eat—but putting them on your skin in a face mask can balance, tone and remove impurities. (Mash 2 tablespoons blueberries, mix with 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 cup of brown sugar. Gently scrub onto face and rinse with cool water.)

11. Boost memory: Anthocyanins—potent chemicals found in berries—have been shown to support healthy memory and cognitive function.

12. Versatile: Berries can be used in sweet and savory recipes, or eaten on their own for a nutritious snack.

13. How amazing do they taste? Do you really need another reason?

 

Resources:

http://www.joybauer.com/food-articles/berries.aspx

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=878

Image: geishaboy500

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