Primary Media
Description
Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are taking over the produce department, and who’s not excited about that? They’re basically nature’s way of helping us lower cholesterol and fight disease in the most delicious way possible. Here’s five reasons why you shouldn’t leave the store without berries in your cart.
They Help with Digestion
Who knew? It turns out that berries are lower in fructose than fruits like apples and pears. This makes them easy to tolerate and less likely to cause gas and bloating. Try incorporating berries into lunches or dinners by making a sweet and savory berry salad.
You’ll Feel Forever Young
Antioxidants protect your body by stabilizing harmful free radicals that cause disease and aging. Just one cup of berries contains all the antioxidants needed for the day—they really are one of the most powerful disease-fighting foods available
Bye-Bye, Bad Cholesterol
Berries contain polyphenols (and so does dark chocolate) that can reduce LDL, or bad cholesterol. Their high fiber content also helps with this benefit. In fact, raspberries have more fiber than any other fruit, at 8 grams per cup.
Blood Pressure Lowering Effects
Struggling with high blood pressure? Fill up on berries. Blueberries and strawberries are rich in compounds called anthocyanins, which can help lower blood pressure.
Dessert Without the Extra Calories
Ripe berries are naturally sweet and low in calories—a good way to curb a sweet tooth without hitting the ice cream too hard. If you’re in the habit of dessert every night, try cutting the amount in half and filling the bowl with fresh berries. Or use berries to sweeten up lighter options, like angel food cake.