7 Benefits of Berries and Why You Need to Eat More
By Brandi Swieter
Berries bring the benefits in a big way. With so many berry options, anyone looking to improve their health through nutritional foods can find a choice that works well for them. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries each bring many advantages to those who consume them in regular amounts.
Memory Improvement
Blueberries in particular aid in memory improvement. The anthocyanins within them reach the memory and learning centers of the brain. They help to slow cognitive decline.
Antioxidants
The antioxidants within berries work to protect the body from damage. Consuming foods high in antioxidants is a surefire way to combat cell damage already occurring in the body. It may even prevent further damage from happening.
Lowered Risk of Heart Disease
Individuals who consume more fruits, including berries, experience a boost in heart health. With the right nutrients in the body, the risk of heart disease gets lowered. This means a lowered risk for a heart attack as well.
Weight Loss
People hoping to lose weight can get that full feeling without overdoing it by consuming berries. Just a handful of berries paired with a few almonds can satisfy hunger while providing plenty of fiber. They don’t have to be eaten fresh, either. Mix them into a healthy smoothie or homemade fruit juice for another option.
Healthy Digestion
Thanks to the high fiber content in berries, people can also experience a healthy digestive system. Not enough fiber in the diet can leave people feeling backed up and bloated. To eliminate the body of waste, the digestive system needs to run efficiently. It can do so with the help of berries.
Better Bone Health
Berries aid in bone health. Thanks to the polyphenols within many berries, particularly blueberries, the rate at which bones break down gets slowed. They work to improve bone density along with the help of carotenoids.
Fighting Cancer
With ellagic acid, mostly found in raspberries, cancer can be fought off within the body. This compound has anti-cancer properties that work to eliminate harmful cells. Paired with the many antioxidants found in other berry choices, a diet rich in berries can work to fight off disease and leave the body at a lowered risk for developing cancer altogether.
Enjoy berries as an everyday treat and reap the benefits. They make delicious additions to breakfast choices, such as cereal and yogurt, or can be eaten alone. With so many berry options to choose from, they make the perfect healthy snack for anyone.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.