‘Berry’ Good’

The Little Yet Powerful Fruit

Most people know and would agree that these ‘berries’ are good for you.

But not all berries (or aggregate fruits if we are getting really botanical here) are equal.

For all intents and purposes…anything with the suffix ‘berries’ will mean what’s in the picture for the purpose of this blog because that’s what they are known as…mmmkkkaaaay?

Especially true during these current times of needing to pay extra special attention to keeping our immune systems running optimally, almost every variation of those small, juicy, colourful fruits are helpful to the bod and brain.

Frozen, freeze-dried or fresh — berries pack a big nutrition punch since they are full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre and other good things.

So here is the short version benefit break down of the most easily accessible and most readily available ‘berries’ in B.C.:

• Raspberries (not a berry): High in antioxidants, low in calories, great for the digestive system as they are high in fibre, may help decrease the oxidative damage from free radicals and fight inflammation in the body.
• Strawberries (not actually a berry either): High in vitamin C, folate, potassium and manganese, they contain the phytochemical ellagic acid which may inhibit cancer cell growth.
• Blackberries (also not a berry): May boost brain health, high in antioxidants, protect against free radical damage, may help regulate blood sugar levels, high in vitamin K.
• Cranberries (nope, not a berry): Linked to lower risk for urinary tract infections, may help lower blood pressure, may improve memory, known to combat tooth decay, great for the skin.
• Blueberries (still, not a berry): Blue in colour, they are extra packed full of antioxidants, reduce DNA damage, contain iron, phosphorous, calcium, zinc and more, known to increase joint mobility.

f**Side note and fun fact: What are some real berries then, you ask?***

Answer: Kiwis, bananas, grapes, currants, cucumbers, eggplants and tomatoes

-Becky