Smoothies, shakes, or even waffle toppings – berries can be used as a perfect supplement for any healthy item. You can blend them, make delicious jams, and versatile desserts. Berries are small, soft, round fruits of various colors. We often associate them with joyful summer times when instead of chocolates we crave something fresh and juicy. Nonetheless, berries are far more than that and we may underestimate their qualities. Loaded with a rich nutritional profile, berries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants which promote overall health. These are the types of sweets you can truly enjoy and at the same time obtain all the essential nutrients. This article covers the 5 amazing reasons you need to start eating antioxidant berries today.
Antioxidants are compounds that our body needs to fight certain diseases. During normal metabolism, some percentage of molecules become damaged and turn into free radicals. Free radicals start a chain of reactions to harm more molecules and cells. This free radical activity is linked to the development of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s (1). Antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals.
Your body naturally produces antioxidants but it might not always be enough. Thus, you can obtain antioxidants from outer sources, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals, spices, and bread.
Consuming food and drinks rich in antioxidants may reduce the risks of serious diseases and promote your well-being.
You may have tried different kinds of berries and for sure gained your batch of antioxidants. However, the highest antioxidant berry is the acai berry. This berry contains the highest amount of antioxidants. The antioxidant content is measured by an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC.
Acai berries show an enormous amount of antioxidants. The TOTAL ORAC of acai pulp is 102700 (8).
Blueberries are the most popular berry that supplies an excellent source of vitamin K. One cup of blueberries contains the following nutrients:
Blueberries contain the antioxidant anthocyanins. This antioxidant may reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of heart disease (3).
Additionally, blueberries may promote heart health by:
Blueberries may also lower the risk of diabetes due to the improvement of insulin levels. You can enjoy blueberries and promote your cognitive abilities as well because the studies show the positive effect of blueberries and other berries on older adults (2).
Read More: Are Strawberries Fattening: The Real Answer
If you’re looking for another healthy source of antioxidants, then you might want to mix blackberries with your favorite desserts. Blackberries are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
One cup serving of blackberries includes the following nutrients:
Due to antioxidants, blackberries provide anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This antioxidant-rich berry is linked to improved digestion, reduced risk of obesity, and diabetes management (5).
You can incorporate berries into your diet by adding them to salads, mixing them with granola, or simply using them as toppings for waffles and ice cream. In this article, you’ll learn about healthy antioxidants smoothies with delicious berries.
Compared to acai berries, blackberries have a Total ORAC of 5905 (8). Even though blackberries offer a smaller (but not small) amount of antioxidants, they still positively impact your body. Blackberries have much Vitamin C and K, and they’re high in fiber, and manganese, therefore, promoting better digestion and oral health.
Acai berries are grape-like fruit that grows on trees in South America. People harvest them from acai palm trees. They are often consumed frozen or dried which affects their nutritional value.
Acai berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants. They contain 10 times more antioxidants than blueberries (7).
Acai berry antioxidant properties offer great benefits for our health:
People use acai for athletic performance, obesity, aging skin, and other conditions.
The ORAC score is a method that measures the antioxidant capacities of different foods. Acai berry has the highest amount of antioxidants demonstrating a TOTAL ORAC of 102700 (8).
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Goji berries also known as wolfberries are native to Asia and were used as a medicine and food supplement for more than 2.000 years. Goji berries are loaded with a medium amount of antioxidants. The Total ORAC is 3290 (8).
However, don’t cross them off of your food list because goji berries bring more surprising health benefits than you could imagine.
The consumption of goji berries may:
Yes, berry smoothies are delectable beverages that load your body with antioxidants and other nutrients.
The best part about smoothies is that they’re easy to prepare and antioxidant berries in smoothies may enhance your immune system and help you prevent negative health conditions.
Check out this quick, mouthwatering recipe – a healthy combination of yogurt and fruit.
Read More: Are Blueberries Good For Weight Loss?
This is an award-winning recipe for people who want to get a whole batch of nutrients in one cup.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Antioxidants help protect your body from free radicals. You can get antioxidants from different kinds of healthy food and beverages. Berries are good sources of antioxidants. The 5 amazing reasons you need to start eating antioxidant berries today are potential for an improved immune system, reduced inflammation, reduced risk of heart diseases, promoted skin health, and enhanced brain activity.
However, you may have discovered even more benefits of berries for yourself which all adds up. Berries are loaded with essential nutrients that may stabilize your blood pressure and give another boost to your energy levels.
Acai berries have the highest number of antioxidants. Along with other berries, you can use them in medicine and delicious recipes.
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