5 Benefits of Berries

Did you know that berries have been a staple in the human diet since before the start of agriculture? Satisfy your sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day with a handful of berries for National Berry Fresh Month. Given the wide variety of textures and flavors that berries come in, this well-like fruit is enjoyed by many.

Popular forms of berries that you are probably familiar with include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and cranberries. However, there is a myriad of other varieties of berries with various nutritional content. Other forms of berries include elderberries, acai berries, goji berries, and mulberries, each with their own flavor and health benefits.

The more well-known berries can be found at every supermarket sold fresh or frozen. For a family on a budget, buying in season can be more cost-effective. However, frozen berries are usually picked when they are most ripe and frozen right away, making them a great alternative if fresh is not available.

5 Benefits of Berries

Not only are berries a great on-the-go snack, but they are also jampacked with various vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional properties.

Here are 5 health benefits of berries:

• High in fiber to help to keep your digestive tract healthy and regular.

• Packed with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.

• Anti-inflammatory properties to protect your body from infection or injury.

• Heart-Healthy food full of the soluble fiber pectin, which can help lower your cholesterol levels.

• Offer several essential nutrients such as vitamin C, needed for tissue repair, and vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting.

7 Tasty Ways to Enjoy Berries

Berries are one of the healthiest foods you can add to your daily eating plan. They can be eaten as a snack or easily incorporated into a meal! Here are 5 tasty ideas:

1. Top your oatmeal with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries
2. Make a smoothie with mixed berries
3. Eat with some granola for long-lasting energy
4. Add some berries to your dark leafy green salad
5. Mix in with some plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
6. Add a handful of berries to pancake or waffle batter
7. Mash some berries and add to a sandwich with peanut butter

These are just some of the ways you can add this heart-healthy food into your diet. For more recipe ideas check out: Enjoying Food Peace: Recipes and Intuitive Eating Wisdom to Nourish Your Body and Mind (my most recent cookbook, which you can purchase here if you haven’t already)

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you include berries in your menus? Let me know in the comments below!

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