Berries are small, soft, round fruit of various colors — mainly blue, red or purple. They are sweet or sour in taste and often used in preservatives, jams, and desserts.
Berries tend to have a good nutritional profile. They are typically high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant polyphenols. As a result, incorporating berries into your diet may help prevent and reduce symptoms of many chronic diseases.
Here are some of the healthiest berries you can eat.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are popular berries that serve as a great source of vitamin K. One cup (148 grams) of blueberries provides the following nutrients:
- Calories: 84
- Fiber: 3.6 grams
- Vitamin C: 24% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 36% of the RDI
- Manganese: 25% of the RDI
Blueberries also contain antioxidant polyphenols called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins from blueberries may reduce oxidative stress, thus lowering the risk of heart disease in both healthy people and those at high risk for the disease.
In addition, blueberries may improve other aspects of heart health by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood, reducing the risk of heart attack and enhancing the function of arteries. Blueberries may lower the risk of diabetes as well. Studies have shown that blueberries can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 26%.
A large observational study has shown that people who eat blueberries also have slower rates of cognitive decline, meaning their brain remains healthy as they age. However, more research is needed to determine the exact role that blueberries play in brain health.
2. Raspberries
Raspberries are often used in desserts and serve as a very good source of fiber. One cup (123 grams) of raspberries provides:
- Calories: 64
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Vitamin C: 54% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 12% of the RDI
- Manganese: 41% of the RDI
Raspberries also contain antioxidant polyphenols called ellagitannins, which can help reduce oxidative stress. One study showed that when consumed as a drink with other berries, raspberries reduced oxidative stress caused by exercise in cyclists.
Raspberries may also increase leptin, a hormone that makes you feel full. The most commonly consumed raspberries are the American red or European red varieties. However, there are many different types of raspberries, and black raspberries have been shown to have a number of health benefits, too.
Black raspberries may be especially good for heart health. Studies have proven that black raspberries can reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
Other studies have shown that black raspberries may reduce inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome and reduce the size of polyps in the colon. Polyps are abnormal cell growths that can lead to cancer.
However, these studies were very small. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of black raspberries.
3. Goji berries
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are native to China and used in traditional medicine. They have recently become very popular in the Western world. One ounce (28 grams) of dried goji berries provides:
- Calories: 23
- Fiber: 2.2 grams
- Vitamin C: 9% of the RDI
- Vitamin A: 50% of the RDI
- Copper: 28% of the RDI
Goji berries also contain high levels of vitamin A and zeaxanthin, both of which are important for eye health.
One study of 150 elderly people found that eating 14 grams of goji berries per day prevented the decline in eye health due to aging. This study, along with a second similar study, have shown that eating wolfberries can raise blood zeaxanthin levels.
Like many other berries, goji berries contain antioxidant polyphenols. One study found that eating goji berries for 30 days increased blood antioxidant levels of healthy, older Chinese people.
Another study found that drinking goji berry juice for two weeks increased metabolism and reduced waist size in overweight people.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the most commonly consumed berries in the world and also one of the best sources of vitamin C. One cup (152 grams) of strawberries provides:
- Calories: 49
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Vitamin C: 150% of the RDI
- Manganese: 29% of the RDI
Strawberries are good for heart health. In fact, a study of over 93,000 women found that those who ate more than three portions of strawberries and blueberries per week had over 30% lower risk of heart attack.
Other studies have shown that strawberries may reduce a number of risk factors for heart disease including blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and oxidative stress.
Strawberries can also reduce inflammation by lowering inflammatory chemicals in the blood, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Moreover, strawberries may help control blood sugar levels, which is important for preventing diabetes.
In fact, a study of over 200,000 people found that eating strawberries could reduce type 2 diabetes risk by as much as 18%.
Finally, another study showed that eating two ounces (60 grams) per day of freeze-dried strawberry powder reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory chemicals in people at high risk of developing esophageal cancer.
5. Bilberries
Bilberries are very similar to blueberries, and the two are often mistaken. Bilberries are native to Europe, whereas blueberries are native to North America. The pulp inside a Bilberry is a dark red or purple color whereas a blueberry has a soft light shade of green. 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of bilberries provides:
- Calories: 42
- Fiber: 4.9 grams
- Vitamin C: 24% of the RDI
Many scientific studies have shown that bilberries are effective at reducing inflammation.
A couple of studies have shown that eating bilberries or drinking bilberry juice can reduce inflammation in people at risk of heart disease or metabolic syndrome.
Another study of 110 women found that eating bilberries for around one month reduced inflammation but also reduced waist circumference by 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) and weight by 0.4 pounds (0.2 kgs).
A separate study found that eating a diet rich in bilberries, whole grains and fish reduced blood sugar in people with high blood sugar.
Bilberries may also increase “good” HDL cholesterol and reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol.
6. Acai Berries
Acai berries contain high amounts of antioxidants, which may help reduce blood cholesterol, oxidative stress and even reduce pain.
Acai berries grow on acai palm trees native to the Brazilian Amazon region. They have become popular health food supplements because of their high antioxidant content. 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of acai berries provides:
- Calories: 70
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin A: 15% of the RDI
Keep in mind that acai berries are often consumed dried or freeze-dried, which can affect the nutritional content.
Acai berries are one of the best sources of antioxidant polyphenols and may contain as much as ten times more antioxidants than blueberries.
When consumed as a juice or pulp, acai berries can increase blood antioxidant levels and reduce chemicals involved in oxidative stress.
Additionally, acai berry pulp has been shown to reduce blood sugar, insulin and blood cholesterol levels in overweight adults who consumed 200 grams per day for one month. However, this was in a very small study of only ten people.
These effects have also been shown in athletes. Drinking three ounces (100 ml) of an acai juice blend for six weeks reduced blood cholesterol and reduced oxidative stress after exercise, which may help prevent muscle damage.
Although acai berries may have benefits for reducing blood cholesterol, other studies have shown that they don’t have any strong effect on reducing blood pressure.
The antioxidants in acai may help reduce pain, too. A study of people with osteoarthritis found that drinking four ounces (120 ml) of acai juice per day for 12 weeks significantly reduced pain and improved daily living.
7. Cranberries
Cranberries and cranberry juice are effective at preventing urinary tract and stomach infections and may benefit heart health. However, it is best to avoid juices with lots of added sugar.
Cranberries are an extremely healthy fruit with a sour taste. They are rarely eaten raw. Instead, they are commonly consumed as juice. One cup (110 grams) of raw cranberries provides:
- Calories: 51
- Fiber: 5.1 grams
- Vitamin C: 24% of the RDI
- Manganese: 20% of the RDI
Like many other berries, cranberries also contain antioxidant polyphenols. However, most of these antioxidants are in the skin of the cranberry. Therefore, cranberry juice does not contain as many polyphenols.
The best-known health benefit of cranberries is reducing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Certain chemicals in cranberries prevent the bacteria E. coli from sticking to the wall of the bladder or urinary tract, therefore preventing infection.
A number of studies have shown that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements can reduce the risk of UTIs.
Cranberry juice may reduce the risk of other infections as well.
H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and cancer. A number of studies have shown that cranberry juice can prevent H. pylori from attaching to the stomach wall and thus prevent infection.
Cranberry juice has also shown various benefits for heart health. Many studies have found that drinking cranberry juice can reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, oxidative stress and “stiffness” of arteries.
However, it is best to avoid varieties of cranberry juice with lots of added sugar.
Conclusion
Berries are some of the healthiest foods you can eat, as they are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Many berries have proven benefits for heart health. These include lowering blood pressure and cholesterol while reducing oxidative stress.
They may also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by acting as great alternatives to sugary snacks.
Try to eat a few portions of berries a week and sample different types. They make a great snack or healthy breakfast topping.
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