Incorporating anti-oxidants into our diets is extremely beneficial for our health and can delay and prevent the effects of some long term health problems such as, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. When our body’s cells use oxygen, a process called oxidation occurs which produces compounds known as free radicals that can cause damage.
There are certain foods that have a high concentrate of these body healing properties as they can remove these free radicals and repair and renew the damage that may be caused. Berries have been proven to contain the highest concentrate of these anti-oxidants and other properties. Keep reading to find out the powerful benefits of some these colorful berries!
1) Strawberries
Definitely one of the most popular berries and my favourite. The antioxidants found in strawberries have been shown to fight carcinogens and LDL, the bad cholesterol which can lead to heart disease. In addition, strawberries contain a high amount of folic acid. Folic acid is vital to for pregnant women because it plays a vital role in preventing birth defects. However, folic acid is important to everyone, as inadequate levels can lead to dementia, heart disease, osteoporosis and many cancers. If you want to boost your immune system then strawberries are the way to go as they are high in Vitamin C.
2) Blueberries
One of my favorite fruits and also the most powerful antioxidant fruit. Blueberries aid in the prevention of cancer, brain damage and age related diseases. A single half cup of these berries can double our normal antioxidant intake and have anti-aging effects. So instead of buying that expensive anti-wrinkle ‘miracle’ cream grab a handful of blueberries. Tis super berry doesn’t just stop there, not only does it have anti-oxidants but also contains various other vitamins and minerals extremely beneficial to your health!
3) Acai Berry
Found in the Amazon rainforest, the Acai berry is becoming quite popular in the health circles because of its amazing properties. Not only do they contain anti-oxidants but they are full of omega fats, amino acids, electrolytes, protein and vitamins A, B1 and E. Acai berries are believed to improve circulation, fight cancer, and prevent both blood clots and atherosclerosis which is the clogging of blood vessels.
4) Cranberries
Cranberries are extremely useful due to the significant amount of flavonoids they contain. Flavenoids are some of the most powerful and effective antioxidant compounds available to humans. Because our bodies are unable to produce flavonoids naturally, we must obtain them from our diet, so eating cranberries can be extremely beneficial. Commonly used to treat urinary-tract-infections because of their anti-inflammatory properties, cranberries are also high in anti-oxidants, vitamin C and antibacterial effects in the body.
5) Goji Berries
Goji berries are high in essential fatty acids, the healthy omegas, which are required for the body’s production of hormones and the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous systems. These little berries help treat many common health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems. Goji berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins).
