Colorful berries and their diverse health benefits
Berries are the healthiest food to include in your everyday diet. They are rich in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants and can help to improve your blood sugar and insulin levels. These delicious and juicy fruits are low in calories, heart-healthy, and also great for your skin health. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, goji berries, bilberries, acai berries, cranberries, and grapes are some of the popular berries.
Here is what our expert says
Berries derive their health benefits from being a densely packed source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Most berries are a very rich source of vitamin C which is a strong antioxidant. Vitamin K has an important role to play in the clotting mechanism, it is found in high concentration in berries. These tiny fruits reduce inflammation, boost the immunity and decrease risk of cancer.
Cranberries prevent urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are quite common among women. They are usually caused by Escherichia coli which is an intestinal bacterium that gets attached to the lining of your urinary tract and bladder. Rich in phytonutrients called A-type proanthocyanidins, cranberries prevent urinary infection by preventing the bacteria from getting attached to the inner surface of the urinary tract and bladder.
Blueberries and strawberries promote heart health
The essential nutrients in blueberries and strawberries help prevent heart disease and stroke. The high amounts of antioxidants called anthocyanins in blueberries and strawberries lower the risk of heart diseases and prevent inflammatory conditions. According to a study, people who consumed anthocyanins were at a 32% lower risk of having a heart attack than those with a lower intake.
Raspberries reduce the risk of eye diseases
Red and juicy raspberries are rich in antioxidants, selenium, lutein, beta carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and vitamins A, C and E. The antioxidants in raspberries prevent body tissues from free radical damage. Free radical damage is responsible for various diseases and aging. Vitamin A in raspberries also keeps the cone cells in your eyes healthy that ensures good vision and prevents eyesight problems.
Acai berries have anti-cancer properties
Grown on acai palm trees, acai berries are tart in taste with an earthy texture. They are rich in vitamin A, calcium, zinc, fiber, and antioxidants. The rich color of acai berries comes from phytochemicals that fight against several types of cancer. Studies suggest that acai berries have anti-cancer properties and were found to reduce the occurrence of bladder and colon cancer in mice.
Bilberries help lower blood sugar levels
Bilberries are widely used as a natural remedy to reduce the blood sugar levels in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. These nutrient-rich fruits avert carbohydrate breakdown and absorption in your gut that reduces your blood sugar levels. According to studies, bilberries are high in anthocyanins that boost insulin secretion which is required to shift the sugar from your blood into the cells.
