3 Reasons to Jump on the Berry Bandwagon

There are few things as mouth-watering as a berry picked straight from the bush. Berries taste good enough to be dessert, but they offer a healthy dose of important nutrients, too. In fact, berries are arguably nature’s #1 superfood. Discover tasty ways to add this superfood to your meal plan with some of our best berry recipes, and learn more about the health benefits of these healthful fruits below.

3 REASONS TO JUMP ON THE BERRY BANDWAGON:

1. Berries are Loaded with Antioxidants
Studies show that just one cup of berries provides all the disease-fighting antioxidants that you need for the day. These antioxidants contain compounds prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals have been linked to cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and other serious illnesses. Cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants out there.

2. Berries are Low in Calories, High in Nutrition
“Diabetes, memory loss, excess weight, tumors, blood pressure — these are just a few of the conditions on which blueberries may have a positive effect, according to studies. Blueberries have high levels of antioxidants and are very high in vitamin C.” (Source)

In fact, NutritionData.com notes that 1 cup of blueberries has the following percentages of nutrients for your daily need:

– 2% RDA Vitamin A
– 24% RDA Vitamin C
– 4% RDA Vitamin E
– 36% RDA Vitamin K
– 4% RDA Thiamin
– 4% RDA Vitamin B6

A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that berries may help reduce belly fat as well as some risk factors for cardiovascular disease, too.

3. Berries are Tasty and Versatile
It’s easy to incorporate berries into your diet because they taste so darn good. Add them to salads, blend them into smoothies, plop a few in your breakfast cereal or oatmeal, or grab a handful of dried berries for nutrition on the go. This super berry is one super food that you don’t want to pass up!