The Many Health Properties of Berries

We all know that berries taste delicious so you hardly need an excuse to eat them, but you may not know how good they are for you!

Yes, all fruits and veggies have health benefits, but berries contain a lot more than most.

We’ve gathered the facts and unpacked the health benefits of each of our favourite berries below.

Strawberries

As if we wouldn’t start with strawberries!

These delicious berries are loaded with nutrients including:

• Strawberries are a source of potassium, fiber, many B vitamins, and vitamin C – did you know what 8 strawberries contain more vitamin c than one orange? Strawberries are also high in vitamin K, manganese, iodine, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and copper
• Strawberries are high in antioxidant phytonutrients known as polyphenols. Polyphenols are responsible for protecting us from disease and promoting good health
• A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ranked strawberries third out of more than 1,000 antioxidant-rich foods
• We’ve discussed what strawberries do have, but what don’t they have? Strawberries are free of sodium, fat, and cholesterol – all the stuff we try to actively avoid!

Blueberries

We also love blueberries; did you know that Sunny Ridge also grows blueberries?

Like strawberries, blueberries also have numerous health benefits.

• Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. One cup of blueberries provides 24 percent of a persons recommended daily allowance of vitamin C
• Research indicates that blueberries may help prevent prostate cancer, aging, and protect against heart disease
• Blueberries are believed to contain the highest antioxidant capacity of ALL commonly consumed fruits and vegetables
• According to animal studies and early human studies, blueberries may help to maintain brain function and improve memory. Find out more here.

Raspberries

 We also grow raspberries! These berries have a unique furry texture that makes them the delicious accompaniment so any healthy (or not so!) treat. Like all berries, raspberries have a number of different health properties including: 

• Raspberries have a good source of fiber, phosphorus, and selenium. One cup of raspberries has 70 calories and is an excellent source of vitamin C
• As with the other berries, studies have shown that raspberries may be useful in preventing esophageal and liver cancer
• Raspberries have also been shown to help control blood sugar in diabetics and help prevent liver damage

Blackberries

You guessed it Sunny Ridge also grows blackberries! What health properties do blackberries have you wonder?

• Blackberries have been found to have the highest amount of antioxidants than any other berry
• They also have vitamin E and C, ellagic acid and types of phytochemicals, which have been shown to help fight or prevent cancers like liver, colon, lung and esophageal
• Blackberries also contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may help decrease the risk of heart diseaseNow you know how good berries are for you how are you going to eat them? You can eat them on their own, on top of yogurt or muesli and in desserts. They can also make a nice addition to a salad.

How do you eat your berries?