The Health Benefits of Berries

Just picture yourself sitting down in the warm summer sun, stretching out on your comfortable lounge chair and reaching for a big bowl of juicy red strawberries. Perhaps you'd rather envision yourself baking a large batch of fresh steaming muffins chock-full of plump round blueberries.

You are probably already aware that berries make a quick and easy, not to mention delicious, snack any time of year. What you may not realize is the fact that these sweet treats also provide numerous health benefits. Berries are not only very low in fat and calories, they can also help you combat diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, cancer, aging and heart disease!

Phytochemicals

Berries contain a remarkable component called phytochemicals. They can prevent major diseases such as cancer and diabetes, as well as reducing the effects of existing ones. Cranberries, raspberries and blueberries can greatly reduce your risk of contracting a bladder infection. Raspberries can prevent the growth of more than 12 different kinds of bacteria, including the yeast that causes yeast infections. Blueberries, mulberries, red raspberries and strawberries have also proven very effective in fighting various forms of cancer.

Vitamin C

Berries are one of the highest sources of vitamin C out of all the fruits and vegetables. Cranberries, bilberries, currants, gooseberries, strawberries and loganberries are also very high in this particular vitamin. In fact, one cup of delicious strawberries contains 100 mg of Vitamin C! This helps to keep your body's immune system strong and healthy and it assists in the formation of strong connective tissue.

Other Vitamins

Berries are a great source of fiber, as well as beta carotene, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Blueberries and strawberries are filled with Vitamin E and one cup of blackberries equals one day's worth of your recommended intake of manganese. Blueberries can delay memory loss and the loss of motor skills. Research has shown them effective in reducing the effects of Alzheimer's Disease.

Lutein

Blueberries and raspberries also contain components that will improve our vision. Lutein is also very effective at preventing age related macular degeneration or AMD.

Antioxidants

Strawberries and dark berries including blueberries, black raspberries, cranberries and blackberries are very high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help delay the aging process and reduce wrinkles. This helps keep you looking and feeling healthier and younger. The health benefits come from the colored compound called anthocyanin which give these berries their dark color.

Additional Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries also promote the healthy production of collagen within your body. Your bruises will often heal faster if you eat a large number of blueberries. You can also enjoy a reduced risk of unsightly varicose veins.

It's amazing to think about how many healthy vitamins and components are contained in one tiny berry. Berries can help you to fight many dreaded diseases including cancer and Alzheimer's as well as delaying the aging process. Therefore, the next time you're looking for a treat that is just as healthy as it is delicious, reach for a handful or berries!