Why We Should All Add Some Berries to Our Diet

Posted by Gwen Watson on Sep 12, 2014

Here at Strawberries.com, we love berries because we think they are delicious. But unlike plenty of other yummy foods that aren’t so good for us, it turns out that berries are both delicious AND nutritious! It’s a win-win! Read on to find out why berries are so good for us and why they should be an important part of our diet.

Strawberries

There’s nothing quite like biting into a large, sweet juicy strawberry. Not only is the flavor refreshing, but this super fruit is low in calories and free of fats so there’s no need to feel guilty as you enjoy them. Strawberries are full of beneficial vitamins and minerals including antioxidants that boost your immune system, prevent infection, and are linked to the treatment and prevention of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Strawberries are also bursting with Vitamin C which is essential to our bodies’ growth and development. According to the California Strawberry Commission, 8 strawberries (1 serving) provides a whopping 160% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. The flavonoids of strawberries may help aid in the prevention of breast cancer, improve cholesterol levels, and protect against heart disease.

Blueberries

Blueberries rank number one in antioxidant capacity compared with all other fresh fruit and many vegetables. Raw blueberries provide you with the best flavor and the greatest nutritional benefits. Studies have shown that blueberries can improve memory, reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, promote brain health, improve digestion, and slow down visual loss. Blueberries are low in fat and one cup of fresh blueberries only has about 80 calories. Researchers have discovered no significant lowering of overall antioxidant capacity when blueberries are frozen and enjoyed within 3-6 months.

Blackberries

Like blueberries, the dark blue color of blackberries conveys its high concentration of antioxidants. In fact, blackberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruits. Blackberries are a great go-to berry for people that are trying to maintain or lose weight because they are virtually fat free, high in fiber and rich in nutrients, have a very low sodium count, and a cup of raw blackberries has only 62 calories. Blackberries are rich in bioflavonoids and Vitamin C and studies have shown that blackberry intake can have a positive impact on motor and cognitive skills that can decline with age and can kill oral bacteria known for causing illness.

Raspberries

Like blackberries, raspberries are a good choice for people that are trying to manage their weight. The phytonutrients found in raspberries can increase the metabolism in fat cells. One cup of raspberries supplies one third of the daily recommended value of fiber for adults and is just 64 calories. Studies show that raspberry consumption can play a role against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neuro-degenerative diseases. Raspberries can be frozen to enjoy later without losing any nutritional value.