Berries are not very high in sugar, and have high fibre content. These are just a few of the many reasons you must include berries in your diet. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of berries.Berries are one of the healthiest foods that one must include in his or her diet. They provide innumerable health benefits. They are high in many essential nutrients. Let us now take an in-depth look at the health benefits of berries.
Free Radicals
The human body houses thousands of electrons. These electrons exist in pairs, and thus form a stable bond. As the body ages, different factors cause these pairs to split up. Thus unstable free radicals are created. These unpaired electrons are highly energetic and seek out other electrons with which to pair. If a free radical attaches itself to another free radical, it stabilizes. But it also can attach itself to paired electrons, stealing them and causing the pair to split creating another free radical. This can create havoc within the body.
Anti Oxidants
An anti oxidant is a substance that absorbs free radicals in the body, and prevents it from creating havoc. Vitamin C is a rich anti-oxidant, and foods rich in Vitamin C include citrus
fruits, berries, potatoes and broccoli. However, various studies show that of all fruits, berries - especially blue berries and strawberries, contain the highest anti-oxidant properties.
Anti-Aging
The breaking down of molecules is a by-product of ageing, and by combating free radicals berries help delay the onset of ageing.
Cancer Prevention
Free radicals are also associated with cancer, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and a host of other health issues. As antioxidants neutralize these nasty little radicals, they reduce the risk of contracting these diseases.
Urinary Tract
Cranberries contain tannin, which clears the urinary tract of bacteria. It helps prevent any urinary infection.
Freeze Them
Unfortunately, berries are not available all year round. However, they are easy to freeze, and retain all their nutritional value even if eaten months later, if they have been frozen. So just buy all you can get your hands on, and dump them in the freezer!
List of Berries and their Health Benefits
Here is the list of berries which can be included in the diet to reap their
health benefits.
Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry is one of the healthiest berries on this planet. It has many properties that can improve the overall health of an individual. To name a few, it helps to boost fertility, it helps to have healthy hair and skin, helps to flush out the toxins etc.
Grapes
Grapes are excellent for lowering blood pressure as well as the heart rate. According to a certain study, eating grapes thrice a week is likely to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Grape juice is also known to boost the brain power and memory. However, they should be eaten in moderation.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a very good source of manganese, potassium, folic acid and fibre. There are a storehouse of vitamin C and K. Consumption of strawberries help to reduce the risk of heart diseases and inflammatory disorders.
Blue Berries
Blue berries are rich in anthocyanins which help to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Therefore, healthy as well as those people who are at risk of developing heart diseases can include them in their diet. They also help to boost the functioning of arteries.
Goan Berries (Kanntams)
These berries are also known as
Karvindas or Karondas. They are blakish-purple in colour and have a sweetish-sour taste. They are very good for soothing the body during scorching summers. They are known to boost the female libido. They help in improving the appetite and getting rid of intestinal worm. They also help in lowering the cholesterol levels. They have a lot of medicinal value due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
There are wide varieties of Indian berries possessing medicinal properties that can be included in the diet. Indian berries like Jamun, Bora,