antioxidant and berries

5 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Berries

Most of us embark on a quest to keep our body fit, healthy, and sound amid the unending, long-winded, and constantly changing food and nutrition landscape. The mission to discover a source of youthful energy that will keep us going and even make us look and feel young is often fraught with a dizzying, sometimes incomprehensible array of “super foods”, diet and vitamin supplements, and unorthodox tips and methods. The task of having to discern which makes sense and which doesn’t can, more often than not, be daunting.

There is, however, one little, simple, and easy solution that meets a lot of your healthy needs and yet often goes overlooked, and that is, the berry. Berries are fruits which may be tiny in stature but are proverbial food and health giants amongst all the other bigger foods in terms of the amount of vitamins, minerals, and health benefits that they contain.

In order to fully comprehend just how immensely and wonderfully beneficial berries can be to you and your health, we must first define some essential concepts.

Antioxidant

antioxidant and berriesThe first term is “antioxidant,” and the berry is truly rich with these. You have probably heard of vitamin supplements and other health products boasting of their antioxidant content, but just what exactly is this seemingly important component? As the word itself implies, an antioxidant is something that tries to prevent or limit the oxidation of molecules and cells in your body.

Oxidation occurs as a result of chemical reactions in your body which, in a chain reaction, create free radicals. Though they may sound harmless, free radicals can actually greatly damage the cells in your body without discretion or control. These effects can range anywhere from the degradation and advanced aging of your skin cells to serious, sometimes irreparable, damage to your major organs, such as your heart, and may even cause cancer. With this in mind, it is so easy to see why antioxidants are an important and great tool in making sure that your body is flushed free of free radicals and is as healthy as it can possibly be.

Fortunately, within this article you will discover how rich berries are with antioxidants and how easily accessible they are to you.

Carotenoid

Another term that we need to be familiar with is “carotenoid”. Carotenoids are a form of antioxidant which serve the function of providing plants with their vibrant pigment and color. As previously mentioned, by virtue of being an antioxidant, carotenoids are essential in helping your body control and exterminate free radicals, which provide the general health benefits of having revitalized cells, protecting your heart from disease, preventing cancer, and strengthening your immune system.

In particular, carotenoids help promote better communication between cells, which may sound like a ridiculous idea, but it has been hypothesized that bad communication between cells leads to the overgrowth of cells in a certain area, which can then lead to cancer. Another factor that can be considered special with carotenoids is that they are also abundant in Vitamin A.

Anthocyanin

Perhaps one of the first things that a person will notice about berries, whether they be strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries, is that these berries have a very noticeable and eye catching color to their skins. You could easily assume that this explosion of color is just nature’s way of compensating for the berries’ small size, but the fact of the matter is, their color is actually because of a pigment called anthocyanin.

Despite the fact that this pigment is responsible for the vibrant color of berries, they are practically completely odorless and flavorless. However, anthocyanin certainly packs a punch in terms of the perks and benefits it gives to your body. Perhaps the biggest health boost it can provide is the fact that anthocyanin can greatly help in the prevention of the development of cancer and tumors. Anthocyanin is also very useful in lessening the inflammation in your body, as it can act as an anti-inflammatory agent which, in turn, benefits your body in a multitude of ways.

One such way is that the risk of heart disease is confronted and prevented, also due to the fact that anthocyanin can help maintain your blood pressure level, cholesterol level, and strengthen your overall cardiovascular system. Anthocyanin can also aid with the treatment of diabetes with its ability to regulate metabolism. Other benefits anthocyanin can offer you include improving your vision/ eyesight, relieving you of your allergies, and treating any ulcers you might have.

Polyphenol

One chemical found in berries that is most probably not commonly known but still plays an important role in keeping your body healthy is the chemical polyphenol. Much like anthocyanin, polyphenol can also act as an effective agent in the prevention of cancer and similar diseases in your body. Berries, in particular, are a good source of polyphenol because the kind of polyphenol that is found in berries is essential in maintaining a healthy, robust, and relief-filled environment for your heart. This can lead to the reversal of heart conditions, such as releasing stress from the heart’s arteries and the relief of chronic pains, which, if left unattended, can lead to some very drastic and even fatal heart illnesses.

Polyphenol also has anti-inflammatory properties, which further reinforce the ability of berries to assist in maintaining blood pressure, metabolism, and cholesterol levels, which in turn help regulate diabetes, allergies, and arthritis.

Lutein

Another unsung hero of the berry is the carotenoid vitamin lutein. Mostly concentrated in our eyes, particularly our retinas, lutein is an essential and irreplaceable necessity for good vision. Therefore, it goes without saying that having a steady supply of lutein in your diet, particularly from berries, is extremely helpful in ensuring that your eyesight becomes sharp and healthy through the prevention of macular degeneration and of eye cataracts.

Lutein is also particularly helpful in maintaining the health and youthfulness of your skin, aiding in the flushing away of dead cells and in the regeneration of new ones, due to its antioxidant properties. It goes without saying that lutein is also helpful with regard to your circular system, ensuring proper circulation, promoting healthy blood vessels, and the regulation of your blood levels. This greatly reduces the risk of heart conditions, diabetes, and even cancer from developing. There is also the possibility that lutein can help prevent colon cancer, in particular.

It truly is astonishing how such a small fruit can pack such a powerful and potent nutritional punch. Whether you have a problem with your metabolism, blood pressure levels, skin quality, or your eyesight, there is practically nothing that the inclusion of berries into your diet cannot help with.

Now, the question is how are you able to consume most of these superberries and superfruits every day? It will cost you a bomb if you were to purchase these berries fruits individually.

 

About the Author:

Emma Deangela is the best selling author of The Alkaline Diet Program and 80/20 Fat Loss. She has helped over tens of thousands of men and women to lose weight and transform their health with sound nutrition advice.

Do you love berries? Which wonderful friends in your life would appreciate this information about Berries?

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Comments

27 responses to “5 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Berries”

  1. Ed Avatar
    Ed

    very good and healthy information. Thank you!

  2. linda zlock Avatar
    linda zlock

    thank you! super informatiive and a great reminder for many things!

  3. joel gol Avatar
    joel gol

    Kindly email to me the names of the books by Emma Deangela.

  4. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    This is wonderful information for the times in which we live, with the wide spread of diseases plaqueing the earth, but I am truly thankful that their are people who care about people in the world who are willing to make a huge impact to change the world and spread the knowledge of Health and Wellness because I love this field!!! God Bless you!!!

    Sincerely,
    Angela

    Sincerely

  5. Kg Avatar
    Kg

    Excellent information ,very educational. Thank you very much.,

  6. gail kohr Avatar

    I AM A 2X BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR AND I NEED ALL THE INFORMATION I CAN GET AND WHAT TO EAT THAT WILL PROTECT ME FROM GETTING BREAST CANCER AGAIN, I PRODUCE TOO MUCH ESTROGEN SO I HAVE TO TAKE A FEMARA PILL EVERYDAY FOR 5 YEARS AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME I AM NOT COMMING OFF OF IT AGAIN, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHICH FRUITS I CAN EAT TO PREVENT ME FROM GETTING BREAST CANCER AGAIN. I READ THAT PEACHES, PLUMS, AND POMAGRANDSES FIGHT CANCER CELLS OFF AND THEY DIE. BUT I DO NOT KNOW IF THAT IS TRUE AND ALSO MUSHROOMS RAW OR COOKED DESTROYS CANCER CELLS, BUT THE DOCTORS DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING EITHER ALL THEY DO IS TREAT IT….. I DID A GENETIC TEST AND I HAD NO MUTATIONS,AND I DO NOT HAVE IT IN MY FAMILY EITHER… I DID THE AGGRESIVE TESTS AND I SCORED LOW, ON IT. SO NO ONE KNOWS WHAT CAUSES IT, I HAD A TOTAL HYSTERECTORY WHEN I WAS 43 AND THE DOCTOR TOLD ME MY TOO MUCH ESTROGEN COMES FROM MY ADRENAL GLANDS OVER MY KIDNEYS.. SO WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP FROM PRODUCING TOO MUCH OF IT….. I NEED SOME HELP ………..

    1. Brenda Sampson Avatar
      Brenda Sampson

      Read Kevin Trudeau’s book, Natural Cures: What They Don’t Want You To Know and switch to organic diet. Our food supply is laced with pesticides, chemicals that your body can’t digest, and hormones that are unnatural or unhealthy. Wake up!

  7. Leo beer Avatar
    Leo beer

    I have a problem about hepatic c I don’t know what fruit and vegetable I want to eat..can you show me

  8. Ria Avatar
    Ria

    Is this product GMOS FREE.

  9. Marilyn Adams Avatar
    Marilyn Adams

    Very informative, I love berries but eat them only when they are in season and cheager at that time

  10. arocco Avatar

    what is the best olive oil that is not cook in process and why do my finger nails keep breaking.

  11. anthony rocco Avatar

    What is best olive oil that is not cook in process. And finger nails breaking?.

  12. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    How to consume berries without the seeds?my digestive system does not tolerate any seeds.

    1. Martha Avatar
      Martha

      I have diverticular disease and cannot eat seeds either. I eat 4 berry juices almost every day for breakfast. I put them all in my Vitamix on high with enough water to make it drinkable. Then I pour it out through a small sieve. Voila. No seeds.

  13. Elaine ashley Avatar
    Elaine ashley

    My question is the same as nancys’. Not able to tolerate the tiny seeds.

  14. Prof ML Sood Avatar
    Prof ML Sood

    Wonderful information,always, very easy to follow healthful tips,I am being benefitted amazingly
    Thanks,and with regards,pl keep me on your regular mail g list
    ml sood

  15. patty guthrie Avatar
    patty guthrie

    Increasing my berries daily has really helped me feel better.

  16. Joan Conklin Avatar
    Joan Conklin

    I love berries when in season but I read that strawberries should not be eaten if you have kidney stones. I am assuming it is because of the seeds but no mention of not eating blackberries which has seeds, so idk. Would it be okay to make a berry drink after sieving out the seeds or is there something in the strawberry itself that manufactures kidney stones?

  17. mohan muju Avatar
    mohan muju

    Very useful information
    Gratefully acknnowledged

  18. Kathryn J Branch Avatar

    Thank you all for the valuable information. I am 80 years old and have most of my life been very health aware. I find it difficult to put together an all alkaline meal. Any suggestions?

  19. VIRGINIA HARBAUGH Avatar
    VIRGINIA HARBAUGH

    Nice reminder. Thanks

  20. Michele Avatar
    Michele

    My doctor told me that my CRP (c reactive protein levels) are extremely high and wants me to take aspirin everyday. Unfortunately I can’t take aspirin or Advil do to stomach issues. Do you have any suggestions as how to lower them naturally?
    Thank you, Michele

  21. Joan Avatar
    Joan

    Eating lots of alkaline food is great but not good eating an all alkaline diet. I got a bladder infection by over doing alkaline. There has to be some acid foods in our diet. Balance. But most foods we choose to eat tend to be acid. So to undo the damage of tending to eat too much acid foods, it is good to eat lots of fruits, veggies and salads. So more alkaline is best to gain greater strength and reduce pain, allergy, weakness but all alkaline is not necessary. More alkaline is great and a goal because the appetite is drawn to acid foods.

  22. opal Hantke Avatar
    opal Hantke

    I have had to take Curica which is a combinagtion of Boswelia extract and Tumeric plus white willow. . any vitamin store would have some combinastion of this. I took it after knee surgery as I couldn’t take the Oxycondone they prescribed. good luck to you.Opal

  23. Pamela Cook Avatar
    Pamela Cook

    Could you please e-mail me the link on the health of the tongue please….Thankyou i love your link God Bless Pamela.

  24. N Harrigan Avatar
    N Harrigan

    Too many strawberries can lead to kidney stones

  25. J. Shanahan Avatar
    J. Shanahan

    I suffer with Diverticular problems – I find that Physillium Husks are great – I make a small milkshake before I go to bed add fruit you like – usually I have banana – 1 dessertspoon full of Physilium (or u can use flavouring) sometimes I add 1 teaspoon of Slippery Elm. You have to drink it reasonably quick as the Physilium thickens . Beats taking antibiotics all the time.

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