Health Benefits Of Berries                  

There are many berries and each offers its own set of health benefits. Not all berries are healthy, but many contain beneficial antioxidants that helps fight free radicals in the body. Berries are sought after as they are low in fat, carbohydrates and are a good source of fiber in a low calorie diet. Whether you choose fresh strawberries, blueberries or the more exotic gooseberries or persimmons, berries are rich in vitamins and minerals and have the potential to help prevent serious disease. The U.S.D.A. recommends 3-5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. By adding berries to your daily quota, you can rest assured that you receive the health giving nutrients required on a daily basis.

A great way to add berries to your diet is to make a simple fruit cocktail. Choose various berries of your liking, and according to what is available for your environment and season. Wash the berries and slice larger berries such as strawberries. You should always leave the skin on berries as these contain essential nutrients and fiber and you do not need to worry about eating seeds. Berries are delicious in their natural state, but if you prefer additional sweeteners, choose a low calorie substitute or a natural sweetener such as stevia. Avoid adding whipped cream to your berries on a regular basis as this is a source of additional fat and adds to the calorie content. Berries are easy to implement in numerous recipes and may easily be added to cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, and ice cream. Use three to five different types of berries throughout the day to ensure you meet the daily recommended fruit intake.

The United States government routinely studies the benefits of berries and their impact on various diseases. The evidence shows that berries offer many health advantages and contain micronutrients that have successfully attacked and destroyed cancer cells in laboratory settings.