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Now that we’re kicking off the summer with wonderful weather and exciting new deals, let’s start creating new healthy eating habits.  Go berries!

 

There’s nothing that negotiates better with your body than berries.   As you may already know, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are all packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that fight off the harmful molecules in our bodies called the free radicals. Berries are one of the many fruits that have an outstanding nutrient profile, which consists of: vitamin C, fiber, vitamin A, folate, and ellagic acid (an antioxidant known to for its anti-cancer properties).

 

Blueberries, sometimes referred to as the “Super Berry,” are among the most powerful sources of antioxidants and cognitive improvement. Not only that, studies show they can slow down aging, help eyestrains, and prevent urinary tract infections. If this hasn’t convinced you enough, try out the hundreds of recipes that include blueberries such as parfaits, oatmeal, blueberry salads, blueberry smoothies, etc; just leave out the sugary blueberry desserts. So grab a pint of organic blueberries at your local supermarket and have at least a half a cup of blueberries a day.

 

Strawberries are jam packed (no pun intended) with antioxidants, folic acid, and especially Vitamin C. Folic acid is needed for development and growth, so this is a great snack for growing children and expecting mothers. One cup of strawberries provides 100% of your daily recommendation of Vitamin C. Fun fact, strawberries are a richer source in Vitamin C than oranges They are low in sugar, but sweet enough for those who are diabetic or trying to lose weight. However, make sure you pick organic ones, otherwise you will be eating a strawberry covered in pesticides.

 

Raspberries are filled with flavanoids that make up the beautiful dark red color. These flavanoids work with fiber to promote health and prevent disease.  As mentioned before, ellagic acid is mostly found in raspberries (within the berry family) and can help slow down cancer development, specifically breast cancer. But studies are still being done on that, Raspberries are higher in fiber than blueberries, and can ease arthiritis pain as well as manage diabetes. Raspberries have a short shelf-life, so don’t forget to snack on them throughout the day once you buy them.

 

When filling your picnic basket or strolling down Central Park, don’t forget to pack a pint of berries because your body will thank you.  And let’s thank my awesome intern, Jessica Lee, a Dietetics graduate, for pulling all this information together for us. Go Berries!  Go Jessica‼