Berries are known as super fruits due to the wealth of health benefits they provide.
Clinical nutritionist Suzie Sawyer shares her top five berries and why we should all be eating them.
STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries contain high levels of vitamin C, which is great for the skin and immune system. Their beautiful colour means they also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals. There’s no better way to eat these nutritional powerhouses than just as they are – plain and simple.
BLUEBERRIES
As with all berries, the power of the blueberry is in it’s beautiful, rich colour. They provide a wealth of antioxidant protection, which is beneficial to health, but also protects the skin against the ageing process. Blueberries also contain compounds that help to widen the arteries, which is one of the reasons why they are good for the heart and also the memory. Plus they are so easy to add to your morning bowl of cereal or porridge. They also make a great mid-afternoon snack, just on their own!
BLACKBERRIES
When we think of blackberries, we often think of the wild blackberries found in the countryside during autumn. However, they are, of course now readily available in the supermarkets and they make a welcome addition to any fruit crumble! Blackberries contain good amounts of fibre (one cup has around 7 grams) and they are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C and iron.
RASPBERRIES
As with all the berries, raspberries are rich in vitamin C, but they also contain good levels of manganese – a bone and joint-loving mineral. They are another super berry, great for the heart and skin. They also go very well with strawberries!
CHERRIES
The main health ‘claim to fame’ of cherries is their anti-inflammatory action. This makes them particularly effective in cases of swollen joints. People suffering from painful gout have long found some relief from eating more cherries in their diets. More recently, it has been discovered that cherries help to raise levels of melatonin, thereby helping sleep problems. Plus they’re particularly high in vitamin A, so are great for eyesight.
