Berries Benefit Good Health Naturally

Berries Benefit Wellbeing

Berries benefit health primarily due to naturally occurring phytochemicals, chemical compounds produced by plants. Phytochemicals are found in all edible parts of a plant especially the skin of the peel. The consumption of plenty of fruits and vegetables has been correlated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Increasing the consumption of plant based foods including berries benefits overall health reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and overall mortality.

Concerns about health and immunity has become the main reason for the sharp increase in the consumption of berries which is considered a popular choice for maintaining good health. National health objectives in healthy adult individuals advocate increasing fruit consumption by 75 percent or eating 2 servings of fruit per day. Data supports considerable interest in the biological effects of berries and benefits reducing cardiovascular disease. Berries are recognized as an essential fruit group in a heart healthy diet. 

US consumption of blueberries nearly doubled in recent years to 22 ounces per person due to nutrient dense antioxidant properties containing poignant vitamins and minerals is among the highest valued fruits. According to the CDC, only 9 percent of adults consumed the recommended amount of vegetables and only 12 percent of adults ate the recommended amount of fruit each day. Only one in ten adults gets enough fruit or vegetables each day. Berries are packed with nutrition high in flavonoids that may help fight inflammation, decrease damage to DNA.

Berries Simply Delicious

One cup serving of blueberries is 85 calories and provides 24 percent recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and 4 grams of fiber. Blueberries are available fresh or frozen and have been shown to help protect the body from heart disease and cancer it can also help maintain bone strength and blood pressure. Berries simply delicious can be incorporated in many dishes including smoothies, cereal topping, added to yogurt, or used in favorite recipes.

Berries Nutrientally Dence

Strawberries is the most popular fruit consumed around the world for their wholesome goodness eaten fresh, frozen. According to a study out of the University Of California in Los Angeles suggests strawberries act as prebiotics and may positively alter the gut microbiome increasing gut bacteria associated with lean body weight, longevity.

Strawberries are a nutritionally dense fruit high in vitamins and minerals especially phenolic compounds and fibers offer strong prebiotics to feed our gut microbiota. Strawberries have been identified as having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties known to improve cardiovascular, gut microbiota, metabolic and neural function. 

Polyphenols are a plant compound that provides several health benefits when consumed regularly. It is a micronutrient obtained by consuming plant based foods. Resveratrol in red wine, curcumin in turmeric ellagic acid in berries, whole grains, lignans in freshly ground flaxseed, sesame seeds, and whole grains is thought to act as antioxidants in the body.

Foods highest in polyphenols include berries, dark chocolate, and red wine. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in some foods has been shown to be a natural way to fight cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Consuming berries benefits the entire body in part of a healthy diet plan.

Cheers!

Patricia Lynn

Images Courtesy of Shutterstock