When it comes to berries with health benefits, you can’t really make a wrong a choice. I’ve never met a berry I didn’t like, so that’s great news for me. If you also love to eat berries, just wait until you read about all the wonderful things they can do for you. Go ahead and grab fresh or frozen berries next time you get groceries. They work in so many things from smoothies to oatmeal, so I’m sure you can find lots of ways to use them. In the meantime, check out these awesome berries with health benefits.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
1. Blueberries
I’m starting with blueberries because these little blue gems are one of the best when it comes to berries with health benefits. There’s a lot of nutrition packed into such a tiny fruit! Blueberries are great frozen, which means you can eat them year round. The anthocyanins in blueberries are associated with a reduced risk of dementia conditions, and their ultra-high antioxidant content plays a role in cancer prevention. Blueberries are also a great source of fiber, which satiates your appetite and helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are probably my most favorite berry. They’re so delicious and sweet in the summertime, but I can often find them in the cold months too! Strawberries have been linked with teeth whitening benefits. The seeds on the outside can help “scrub” the nasty stuff from your teeth, revealing their natural white color. Strawberries are also chock full of Vitamin C, which is a nutrient that plays a role in healthy immunity and helps prevent you from getting all sorts of illnesses.
Frequently asked questions
3. Goji Berries
If you haven’t heard, goji berries are a superfood! They aren’t as easy to find as other types of berries, but if you can get your hands on some, you’re in luck! Goji berries are native to China, which means they have been used for years as a natural health aid. Research into their benefits continue, but preliminary information reports that eating goji berries can positively impact many aspects of your health, including mood, sleep, stress levels and workout performance.
4. Acai Berries
You’ve probably started seeing acai berries in more and more products from juice to yogurt. There’s a good reason for that, besides their sweet and tart taste that can’t be beat. The berries are loaded with antioxidants, which mean they fight free radical damage and may play a hand in warding off a variety of health problems from heart disease to cancer. Research from the National Institute of Aging have also found that acai berries might be good for weight loss.
5. Blackberries
Blackberries are super sweet, which makes them great for eating by the handful. They’re also great for fruit salad and smoothies. Eating blackberries pays off too because they are another berry full of antioxidants and Vitamin C. That means they have the power to protect your health and keep many conditions at bay. One such nutrient is ellagic acid, which can help keep your skin youthful and radiant. Certain compounds in blackberries have been reported to help ease symptoms of PMS as well.
6. Raspberries
If you’re looking to increase your fiber intake, raspberries are the way to go. They are one of the top fruits in terms of fiber content. Fiber is vital for healthy digestive function as well as protecting your heart from disease. Fiber also satisfies your appetite for very few calories, which means raspberries can fill you up and keep you from reaching for unhealthy snacks before mealtime hits again. Notice I said help – they still have calories so you’ll still need to balance them with everything else you eat. However, they are a delicious way to enjoy healthy foods.
7. Cranberries
Cranberries are better for more than just your Thanksgiving turkey. You can eat these little red darlings all year long by looking for them frozen. They are your go-to for urinary tract infections, even if you just opt for the juice instead of eating the whole berries, which can be quite sour. Cranberries also play a role in healthy gut bacteria, which promotes healthy digestion.
Do you love berries as much as I do? Did you realize how good they are for you? What’s your favorite way to use berries?