Colors are important too!

Did you know that even the pigment in the color of berries is healthy for you? The pigments that give berries their beautiful blue and red hues are also good for your health. The brighter and more colorful (and more delicious looking) the berries are, the more pigment they have and therefore the better they are for you. Berries contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help to prevent some diseases.
Cranberries and blueberries contain this phytochemical substance in their pigment that helps prevent bladder infections. 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. Along with offering low calories, the phytochemical in their pigments fights common sicknesses and even helps with headaches.
Eating a diet rich in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries may help to reduce your risk of several types of cancers. One cup of strawberries contains over 100 mg of vitamin C, almost as much as a whole 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. Blueberries and raspberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision.
If you have ever had the pleasure of picking berries right from a garden or gathering wild berries in the woods, you already know how wonderful fresh berries are. Now you also know how much just having pretty looking berries can help in your everyday diet!