For most of us berries are not more than delicious hassle-free snacks to indulge in between meals. However for health professionals they are bite-sized nutritional powerhouses!

Healthy Inside and Out

Berries are known to be home to a wide range of nutrients, including important vitamins and minerals. They are light and refreshing and aid in medical treatment.

For instance, blueberries are loaded with antioxidants that combat free radicals, making experts perceive them as natural shields against cancer and heart disease. On top of that, they are believed to increase communication between neurons and reduce inflammation making them good food for the brain. Possibly the best part is that blueberries ‘cost’ an avid dieter just 83 calories per cup.

Even more diet friendly are raspberries weighing in at only 64 calories per cup. An excellent source of ellagic acid, these berries have been proven to protect against cancer in lab tests. Aside from that you can eat them for the inherent fiber, which eases constipation, aids weight loss, and helps diabetics and heart patients.

Other berry nutrition recommended for those with diabetes or heart disease is that of the blackberry. Packed with potent antioxidants called anthocyanins, these 62-calories-per-cup fruits also aid in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

By far the most popular berry is the strawberry. Its distinctive aroma, bright color and pulpy-grainy texture make it a global favorite. This low-calorie (46 calories to a cup) fruit is also rich in folic acid and Vitamin B, which is believed to protect against birth defects and heart disease.

Mixed berry recipes can be used to make exfoliating scrubs and masks to beautify the skin naturally.

At the Dining Table

Berry nutrition is recommended for the whole family. Regardless of age, each family member stands to gain from the nutritional value as well as rejuvenating properties of berries. While the sheer lusciousness of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries urges children to indulge in them; the pulp is easy to eat for senior citizens. These super fruits are featured amongst the top ten must-haves for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Try to add a handful of berries in every meal of your day: Add a few slices in your breakfast bowl of cereal, try creating mixed berry recipes for salads during lunch or dinner, blend them into smoothies in between meals, or serve chilled in pieces for dessert.

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About the Author:
Berries at Driscoll's® – We grow some of the finest strawberries, raspberries, blueberries & blackberries. Also, we have a huge variety of berry recipes for you because there is just so much one can do with berries. Our recipe index gives you options for appetizers, beverages, main courses, etc. Check out our entire recipe. If you would like to speak to a Driscoll’s representative, please call our 24 hour toll free number at 1-800-871-3333.

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