Very Berry berry good!
NEED A BERRY BOOST?
Eating berries can be a good way to include important antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins and fibre into your diet important for your body.
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, phenols and flavonoid antioxidants, vitamin C, K and Manganese. If you only end up adding one berry to your diet then the mighty blueberry should be it! They are low in calories, but high in beneficial fibre, boost brain health , can help protect from free radical damage with anti-inflammatory effects due to antioxidants polyphenols.
Raspberries - are high in vitamins C, K, fibre and packed with antioxidants anthocyanins which gives the berry its color. Raspberries are considered heart healthy as can lower cholesterol, contain manganese and copper which can help with metabolising carbohydrates and regulate blood sugar levels.
Blackberries are lowest in calories, high in Vitamin K which can regulate hormone balance and reduce cramping. Rich in antioxidants polyphenols known for potential cancer fighting abilities, can help reduce inflammation, anti bacterial affect protective against bacterial infections, and regulate menstrual cycle due vitamin K.
Cranberries are believed by researchers to contain substances that stop bacteria like E Coli adhere to the urinary tract walls, therefore can be helpful for urinary health while also recent research shown can help optimise beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract similar to probiotics.
Strawberries contain Vitamin C, dietary fibre, flavonoid antioxidants associated with lowering risk of chronic diseases, protect against skin damage and have anti-inflammatory effects.
If able try and always but local, organic and do use frozen berries where they have been frozen at their most optimal nutrient dense.
How to include berries - mixed berries added to porridge, granola. natural yogurt or greek yoghurt, dash cinnamon, berry smoothie (milk of choice, 1 - 1/2 cup frozen berries, 1/2 cup natural or greek yoghurt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 banana, Berry chia pudding (with chia seeds, berries of choice, milk of choice, mixed together, leave fridge to set and add chopped berries and seeds to serve).