Berries
Acai Berries
Acai (pronounced “ah-sigh-EE”) berries are fruits that grow on acai palm trees.
The berries are known for having a slightly chocolatey flavor, packaged in a superfood. Acai berries are known to improve cognitive function, helping to prevent diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s). Thanks to the antioxidant anthocyanin, acai berries can lower inflammation and oxidative stress, and improve blood flow to the brain. This antioxidant can also help reduce the risk of heart attacks. Acai berries can be eaten dried or frozen, and are also popular as a powder, that can easily be added to smoothies to make acai smoothie bowls.
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, and are low in sugar and carbohydrates, and are the king of berries. Blueberries are shown to help prevent urinary tract infections as well as high blood pressure. Blueberries have a total antioxidant capacity of 9,019, the highest of any berry or fruit or vegetable, and for that reason, they should always form part of your diet.
They are also versatile – they can be eaten fresh or frozen, on their own, or in oats or yogurt, or used in baking.
Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, and regu
lar consumption can help reduce your bad (“LDL”) cholesterol. Like most berries, strawberries contain the antioxidant anthocyanin (which gives strawberries their red color), as well as containing potassium, a vital nutrient that supports your body to stabilize excessive sodium, particularly important in heart health.
Due to their sweetness, strawberries are nature’s candy and are the perfect addition as a dessert. Try dipping strawberries in 80% dark chocolate as the perfect diet-friendly dessert.
Cranberries
Cranberries usually shine on a Thanksgiving dinner table, but they should take a more central role in your diet so that you can benefit from the vitamin, fiber and antioxidant nutrients in this berry. Cranberries are in fact higher in antioxidants than some superfoods including broccoli, spinach, strawberries, and cherries. Only blueberries have a higher anti-oxidant content.
Cranberries can be eaten fresh or frozen and can be stored in the fridge for weeks. They are easy to incorporate into your diet, as you can drink 100% cranberry juice, as well as using them in meat dishes like chicken, just like you would at Thanksgiving when pairing with turkey.