1. Look at All the Yummy Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and raspberries are the most well-known berries, but cherries and grapes are classified as berries too. Many of these berries are available at your local supermarket year-round, but they taste even better during the summer when they are in season.
2. Berries Pack a Powerful Punch
Berries are packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, fiber and folate. Since vitamin C can dissolve with water, it does not stay in our bodies for very long. Therefore, it is essential to consume Vitamin C every day to ensure healthy skin as well as strong hair, nails and teeth. Antioxidants ward off infections or toxins from air pollutants, such as smoke. Potassium and folate can aid in building strong bones and healthy cells. The added fiber you get if you include berries as part of your daily diet will also help regulate digestion.
3. Get Healthier and Stronger
Berries are not only flavorful, but they are also powerful enough to fight the free radicals that can cause problems such as heart disease, high cholesterol and cancer. In addition, eating berries can relieve the joint and inflammatory pain associated with arthritis. Studies show that nutrients contained in berries reverse certain effects associated with aging, such as decreased brain functioning and vision loss. Berries can also lower the chance of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease later in life. If you're trying to lose weight or if you just want to improve your eating habits, berries provide a naturally sweet yet healthful snack alternative. They are low in calories, so instead of going for the cookies or that slice of cake, try snacking on a cup of berries to satisfy your sweet tooth.
4. Give Berries Some TLC
Look for berries that are colorful and firm rather than dull and mushy. When you're ready to eat the berries, wash your hands before handling them, just as you would with other produce. Remove dirt, residue and microorganisms by washing them with cool tap water. Store berries at room temperature or in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. Experts recommend eating berries within one week to avoid spoilage or foodborne illnesses. If that is impossible, you can freeze them for later use.
5. Make Ordinary Dishes Extraordinary
Berries taste great when washed and eaten right from the package, but you can also enjoy them in other dishes. Have some berries with whole-grain cereal or oatmeal for breakfast. Snack on your favorite berries with some yogurt or sorbet. Mix them up in a fruit salad or for a tasty twist or add them to a garden salad for lunch. It doesn't matter how you eat them; eating berries as part of your recommended daily intake of 2 to 4 fruit servings contributes to better health.
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