It’s so fun to combine berries from blueberries to cranberries, raspberries to strawberries, etc. They make a bowl of fruit salad look more appetizing. The colorful blend of all the fruits can encourage anyone to scoop some. These have been some of the most favorite fruits of people of all ages. And if you ask me, I love most of them and there’s always at least one berry added to my daily diet.
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According to studies, berries are proven to be some of the healthiest fruits in the whole world. This claim is solely because of their basic nutrients and other properties that are very essential to the health. Let’s take a closer look of each of the world’s favorite berries.
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#1 – Acai Berries
One of my personal favorite in terms of flavor and benefits is acai berries. I can this eat raw, toss in the blender to make juice, or add to my fruit salad with nuts.
Recently, I heard that it’s a great ingredient to many skin care products from lotions to facial cream. Its high amount of antioxidants can help prevent pre-mature aging and clear skin. It’s not only good to take internally, but can be also applied all over skin, and it’s organic!
• A good source of antioxidants, fiber, and good fats
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Aids in weight loss
• Reduces the risk of cancer
• Relieves symptoms of arthritis
• Boosts erectile dysfunction
• Detoxifies the body
• Protects the heart due to healthy fats
• Slows down the process of aging
• Prevents cellulite oxidative damage related diseases
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#2 – Acerola Cherries
This may not be a familiar type of berry, as it naturally grows in some parts of the world – India, Mexico, Mexico, and South America. It looks almost as cherries but may also be mistakenly recognized as cranberries. The taste is a bit sour as it has a high amount of vitamin C (9x more than orange).
• Improves the immune system
• Helps fight infections and diseases
• Treats common cold
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#3 – Aronia or Black Chokeberries
Aronia may confuse you and trick you thinking it’s blueberry. From a distance, it would really look like blueberries, but if you look at it much closer, the color is black; hence, called as black chokeberry. I don’t eat much of this but when I do, I always make juice. It’s also a great to use as tea, syrup, tincture, jam, and wine.
• Has high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins
• Lowers cholesterols
• Acts as astringent
• Contains other antioxidants and polyphenols
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#4 – Blackberries
Another favorite of mine, along with my kids, is blackberries. Its goodness is undeniable. I’m glad it’s also one of the fruits with high antioxidant contents.
• Has vitamins C, E, and K
• Contains many polyphenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, cyanidins, ellagic acid, gallic acid, ellagitannins, quercetin, and tannins
• Includes dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), and manganese
• Prevents chronic diseases and cancers
• Stop the formation or growth of tumor in the oral cavity
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#5 – Blueberries
The sweet flavor and strong aroma of blueberries aren’t the only reason why it’s popular, but also because of its goodness to the health. This is also my favorite type of berry. I cannot go on to another week without consuming cups of this fruit.
• Has high antioxidant levels and phytonutrients, especially anthocyanidins
• Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, manganese
• Reduces the risk of heart attack, hypertension, cardiovascular disease
• Prevents hemorrhoids, cataracts, varicose veins, glaucoma, and peptic ulcers
• Slows down aging and prevents pre-mature agin
• Lessens memory loss
• Neutralizes free radical damage in cells (leads to the prevention of cancer types)
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#6 – Bilberries or Huckleberry or Wineberry
Bilberries are the small version (3x smaller) of blueberries. This fruit does really look and taste like blueberries, and contain the almost the same amount of antioxidants and phytonutrients. However, it has additional health properties that blueberries don’t have.
• Contains mostly anthocyanidins
• Protects the lining of blood vessels from degeneration that can occur due to toxic oxidation (good for people with diabetes)
• Increases night vision
• Reduces the risk of eye problems, such as cataracts, poor vision, and macular degeneration
• Increases the amount of blood flow to the circulatory vessels
• Treats circulatory problems, i.e. hemorrhoids and varicose veins
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#7 – Cherries
Cherries are commonly used as topping in many desserts and accessory in cocktails. Well, there’s more to rely on with cherries than adding flavor to your taste buds.
• Has high amount of anthocyanins, bioflavonoids, ellagic acid, and quercetin
• Promotes tissue and cell health
• Lessens joint and muscle discomfort
• Improves sleeping (thanks to melatonin)
• Maintains glowing skin and youthful appearance
Image source: Cranberries
#8 – Cranberries
I find cranberries to be sour but I try to regulate my consumption, especially its juice, because of its medicinal benefits. I’ve had urinary tract infection before, and though a common illness, I don’t want to suffer from it again. So I drink as much cranberry juice as I can. But be careful in selecting cranberry juice packs as they may contain other ingredients. You may want to drink 100% cranberry juice, and not with 30% content only.
• Treats wounds
• Prevents and cures stomach issues, including diarrhea, urinary disorders, and liver problems
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#9 – Goji Berries
I also started to love eating goji berries once I learned its health properties. The dried ones are my favorite snacks. But this is not just a fruit with a great taste. It’s also high in many vitamins, especially B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, and E, as well as beta carotene, iron, germanium, linoleic acid, and selenium
• Includes 18 essential amino acids
• Protects the liver
• Improves vision
• Boost the immune system
• Aids in the treatment of cancers
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#10 – Maqui Berries
Another berry fruit that’s can be used to make delicious juice is maqui berry. You can also eat this raw, especially when freshly picked. It’s high in vitamin C, which is a great first aid treatment against common cold and cough.
• Contains calcium, iron, potassium, anthocyanins and polyphenols
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
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#11 – Noni Berries
Alright, this may look gross as it appears to be a gluttonous worm, but it’s not! It’s a delicious fruit of canary wood. It’s common in tropical areas in the South Pacific. It may not be as popular as other berries, but it promises many benefits for the health.
• Has vitamins A, B3, C, calcium, iron, and potassium
• Treats menstrual cramps, urinary tract infections, and liver diseases
• Prevents diabetes
• Cures bowel irregularities
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#12 – Raspberries
Raspberries are among the most popular berries in the world. This fruit does not only provide an excellent taste, but also health benefits.
• Has high amount of fiber and antioxidants (anthocyanins, catechins, cyanidins, ellagic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, pelargonidins, quercetin, and salicylic acid)
• Contains vitamin C, B vitamins (1-3), folate (folic acid), copper, iron, magnesium, manganese
• Aids in weight loss
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#13 – Strawberries
Unlike most berries, strawberry has a triangular shape. It looks appetizing, yet it really tastes good. It’s juicy and sweet, but sometimes can be sour, so pick a much reddish one.
• High in phenols, which promote good overall health
• Contains B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, fiber, folate (folic acid), iodine, magnesium, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium
• Protects the brain
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Have you learned more about your favorite berries? Do you think you have to love other fruits of this kind, too? Well, you should because they can make you much healthier over time, and they’re fun to eat in many ways from snacks to desserts.
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