The beauty of berries is that they taste good, are nutritional storehouses, plus they're low in calories. Here's a quick glance at their specific health-promoting properties:
Bilberry
Protects the heart, eyes and skin and also promotes healthy blood sugar levels. A concoction of the fruit is useful for treating diarrhea in children. Plus, bilberries' high anthocyanin content makes them a potentially valuable treatment for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and capillary fragility.
Blackberry
Protects the heart, helps tighten tissue, useful for mild infections. Blackberries are high in potassium, vitamin C and anthocyanins. A gargle made with blackberries may soothe a sore throat or mouth irritation.
Blueberry
Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Animal studies have found that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Researchers found that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging animals, making them mentally equivalent to much younger ones. They are loaded with potassium, fiber and vitamin C.
Cranberry
Contains bacteria-blocking compounds called tannins that are believed to promote urinary tract health. They may also be helpful in blocking the bacteria responsible for ulcers and gum disease. Studies show the active component pterostilbene in cranberries can help lower triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol levels.
Elderberry
Helps rheumatism, diarrhea and erysipelas (a skin infection). Elderberries, which have high amounts of vitamin C, are nutritious and may be used as a mild laxative.
Raspberry
Research is suggesting that raspberries may have cancer protective properties. Animal research has suggested that raspberries have the potential to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and tumor formation in various parts of the body, including the colon. The leaves have been used to ease labor and relieve conjunctivitis. The fruit is loaded with potassium, ellagic acid, vitamin C and fiber.
Strawberry
Famous for being a rich source of phenols (especially anthocyanin 2 and ellagitannins), The anthocyanins serve as potent antioxidants shown to help protect cell structures in the body and prevent oxygen damage in the body's organ systems. Strawberries' unique phenol content offers protection against macular degeneration, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.
Berries tend to be sprayed heavily with pesticides, so try to buy organic. Look for a four digit code on the sticker on the container -- codes starting with "9" indicate that the the berry is organic while codes starting with "4" are conventionally grown, while those starting with a 3 may be irradiated.
You can always buy supplements containing berry extracts. My favorite berry products are : Reds Hx, and BlueGranate Tx, which can be found at InVite Health.
