Benefits of Berries |
|
Everything we eat has a big effect on our health, quality of life and longevity.
In wish to lead a healthy life, we are trying to nurture our body with nature given fruits knowing that nature is always the best solution.
The valuable gifts of nature are berries because they contain important nutrients vital for human health.
Locally cultivated berries include blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and currant.
Adding them to your daily diet can lead to essential changes in the body.
There are various ways in which they can be utilized. Berries can be eaten freshly picked or used for preparation of various juices, shakes, fruit soups, salads, jams, marmalades and cakes.
However, there is a rule applied to all fruits including berries - our body benefits the most when they are freshly hand-picked and consumed raw.
Health Benefits Hidden in the Berries
Berries are the source of valuable and highly needed nutrients and for this reason they are considered as one of the nature’s most valuable gifts.
Every type of berry is a rich source of nutrients, vitamins (C, A, E, B), minerals (iron, potassium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium), fibre and other important compounds such as flavonoid anthocyanin and flavone.
As a valuable source of health, berries can be consumed without limitation.
Blueberries – Strength for our Brain
Researches show that anthocyanin contained in blueberries has a positive effect on cognitive abilities and memory.
Blueberries successfully prevent deterioration of cognitive functions and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Anthocyanin is also beneficial for ocular health. It protects eye reticule and helps treating short sightness (amblyopia).
Blueberries are also an excellent alternative in reducing wrist inflammation and arthritis.
Cranberries – Natural Alternative to Antibiotics
These attractive red berries are highly valued for its strong nutrient ingredients and various positive health effects.
Positive effect of cranberries has been confirmed in a research published by the British Medical Journal in 2001.
Research has shown that regular consumption of cranberries juice successfully prevents urinary infections and reduces the need for antibiotics.
Therefore, cranberries are a natural alternative to antibiotics because of their ability to extinguish a large number of harmful bacteria.
They successfully extinguish E. coli and Helicobacter pylori which cause ulcer and gastritis.
This delicious fruit also has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular system.
Scientists of American Mayo Clinic have conducted a research published in European Journal of Nutrition.
Research showed that cranberry juice can reduce the quantity of components in the blood which cause hardening of the arteries.
Evidence shows that cranberries due to their ingredients, successfully prevent and slow the development of cancer.
In addition, diabetics may find cranberries useful because they reduce the level of sugar in the blood.
They are known for reducing stress, alleviating rheumatism and improving oral health.
Antioxidants contained in cranberries contribute in maintaining good heart health.
According to research, anthocyanin and proanthocyanin, the flavonoids traced in cranberries, strongly protect the eyes.
Currant - Rich Source of Vitamin C
It is well known that both black and red currant are beneficial to health.
Red currant contains vitamins C and K, minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, coper, manganese, as well as malic acid and citric acid.
It is rich in fibre and plays a major role in regulating digestion.
Currant helps with sciatica, rheumatism and bone pain. It boosts the functioning of kidneys and purifies blood.
It is very well known for eliminating uric acid and toxins from the body.
Black current is rich in vitamin C.
100 g of black current provides more than 300% of daily-recommended intake values of vitamin C.
It contains anthocyanin, an antioxidant which protects the eyes, maintains circulation and helps cardiovascular system.
Antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties traced in black current, prevent cancer development, heart attack and brain stroke.
Except being beneficial in cancer prevention, scientific research shows that its consummation also prevents inflammations, neuro diseases and the effects of ageing.
Strawberries – Help in Preserving Youthfulness
Strawberries contain a high amount of vitamin C.
They are rich in antioxidants and phenols (carbolic acid) which improve our health in many ways.
Strawberry‘s ellagic acid and vitamin C protect skin and prevent the effects of ageing.
Flavonoids slow and prevent the development of cancer.
Potassium benefits our nervous system and calcium and phosphorus contribute to healthy bones.
Strawberries eliminate constipation and help digestion. They reduce appetite, preserve heart, ocular and skin health and regulate sugar level in blood, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Due to preventing inflammation, their consummation is recommended in cases of arthritis and atherosclerosis.
Strawberry contains only 36 calories per 100 g and therefore it is the perfect ingredient for losing weight.
Blackberries – Improve Memory and Coordination
Research published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that blackberries are the richest source of antioxidants.
Therefore they have the strongest effect in preventing many diseases.
The anthocyanins present in blackberries protects the brain from oxidative stress and prevents neuro degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Positive effects are shown in treating colon cancer.
Blackberries prevent inflammations, boost memory, and improve balance and coordination.
Raspberries – Help in Losing Weight
Everyone’s favourite berries contain vitamins C, E, B, minerals like manganese, cooper, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, fibres and omega-3 fatty acids.
Antioxidants contained in raspberries are beneficial for the health of liver, skin and hair.
They regulate sugar levels in blood and boost immunity.
Raspberries are known for having a major role in treating cancer. As recent research shows they are useful in treating breast, cervical, ulcer, prostate and oesophageal cancer.
In the near future this fruit might become a significant tool in solving overweight problems thanks to its ingredients such as ketones that boost metabolism and burn fat.
Liked the article?
Share it with your friends!
