So let me start off by saying… I am berry biased! I LOVE BERRIES. It’s been my fruit of choice since I was a little girl. I love blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, ALL THE BERRIES! But the best part about berries is that they are SOOO good for you!
Let’s talk about the benefits of berries. A lot of this information is shocking, because berries are so good for you!!
Strawberries:
Strawberries are low on the glycemic index, meaning you can eat these without really raising your blood sugar too much! (1, 2) Not to mention they are so high in vitamin C and potassium! (3) Just as with the other berries I will talk about, they have a lot of antioxidants, which can reduce risks and issues related to chronic diseases! (4)
Blueberries:
Blueberries are actually the fourth healthiest fruit of the “common fruits”. They also have the highest antioxidant levels of the “common fruits” That’s amazing! (5) Blueberries have quite a bit of fiber, vitamin K, & vitamin C. (6) Eating blueberries regularly can actually help you increase the killer cells, which help you fight off viral infections. (7)
Cranberries:
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K1. (8) Cranberries are more unique than other berries, because they are actually known to prevent urinary tract infections. The compounds A-type proanthocyanidins are responsible for this because they help prevent bacteria from attaching to the inner lining of the bladder (9, 10). Cranberries are a powerful berry!
Blackberries:
Blackberries are full of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and fiber! 8 grams of fiber in 1 cup of blackberries! Whoahh! (11) I eat a lot of blackberries! They are one of my favorite berries and they are so delicious! Blackberries are also high in antioxidants like other berries, but they can help reduce inflammation (4).
Raspberries:
Raspberries are high in Vitamins C, Vitamins E, and fiber. Just like blackberries, raspberries have 8 grams of fiber in 1 cup. It’s crazy! (12) Raspberries are also really low in sugar as well! Only 5 grams in one cup compared to 20 grams in a medium apple. Isn’t that awesome!? (13) Raspberries also provide a great tart flavor to desserts, which is a great classic combination!
Other rare berries:
Goji Berries or Wolfberries- these berries are great for eye health! They are also great metabolism boosters! (14, 15)
Bilberries- these berries are often mistaken for blueberries, because they are very similar. Bilberries are great inflammation reduces, much like it’s blueberry cousin! (16)
Açaí Berries- lately these little berries have become increasingly popular. They are extremely high in antioxidants, and they are also high in fiber! They have 10 times more antioxidants than blueberries! Wow! (17)
So overall take away… berries are all so good for you! They are all my number one choice of fruit! Hopefully this article helps you pick your favorite!
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