Bright blue skies, soft green grass and warm sparkling sunshine are some of summer’s most anticipated gifts. Along with the outdoors looking wonderful, you have been working out all winter long and you’re now ready to show off your newly toned body and maybe add some color to the winter glow you have accumulated over the last four months.
….. And even if you haven’t been exactly “gung-ho” about your work out regime over the winter, being out and about is all included in the summertime appeal. Along with increased activity in the summer, there are also great fresh foods that we can get that aren’t available in the winter. Sure, the hot dogs and hamburgers, ice cream and otter pops sound especially appetizing, but keeping your hard-earned figure in mind, these foods aren’t going to keep you in the best swimming suit shape. Never fear! I have some breaking news on how healthy and delicious summertime foods can not only help you keep up with summer action, but can greatly increase your health!
Through this blog, I want to share the top 15 most healthy berries to eat and what some of the health benefits are for eating fresh berries. Berries are some of the healthiest foods you can eat. These naturally sweet, tasty treats are available in plenty and it is nearly impossible to have too many. Take these tasty morsels with you anywhere the summer action does. So go ahead and indulge in all that berries have to offer – a sweet, juicy taste reminiscent of long summer days, an easy addition to snack and means and best of all, incredible health benefits for you!
Most berries are naturally sweet and require little effort to prepare. Just rinse them under water and serve for a nutritious snack or dessert. One cup of strawberries contains over 100 mg of vitamin C, almost as much as a cup of orange juice. We need vitamin C for immune system function and for strong connective tissue. Strawberries also add a bit of calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium and only 53 calories. One cup of blueberries offers a smaller amount of vitamin C, minerals and phytochemicals for only 83 calories. The same amount of cranberries is similar, but with only 44 calories, 1 cup of raspberries offers vitamin C and potassium for 64 calories.
The pigments that give berries their beautiful blue and red hues are also good for your health. Berries contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help to prevent some diseases. Cranberries and blueberries contain a substance that may prevent bladder infections. Eating a diet rich in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries may help to reduce your risk of several types of cancers. Blueberries and raspberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision.
Every grocery store carries a wide variety of fresh, canned and frozen berries. Look for ripe, colorful and firm berries with no sign of mold or mushy spots. Berries can also be found in the frozen section of the grocery store. Once they thaw, they will not be as firm as freshly picked berries, but they are still delicious and good for you. For the freshest berries, try farmers' markets that offer berries harvested that same day. Some berry farms allow you to pick your own berries.
Happy Berry-ing!!
Sneak Peek for next posting- The miracle of Acai Berries!
