Brief on Berries- Why are berries so good for you?
Image of Golden Berries
Berries are great for your overall health, providing plenty of antioxidants, fiber, phytosterols, folate (vitamin B) and other minerals. They also contain anthocyanins, which contribute to the beautiful color in our berries and provide exquisite health benefits. The other thing we love about berries is they tend to have high levels of nutrients in a smaller fruit so you can eat a smaller amount and with the same benefit as more watery fruits, like watermelon. In eating in harmony with the seasons, it is fun to consume berries that are locally grown, sun ripened, wild or organic. If you don’t have access, it is best to find them frozen, dried or freeze dried without added sugars, syrups or other harmful preservatives.
Berries are the perfect sweet and nutrient-packed snack that are so easy to incorporate into your diet. Our favorite berries that offer some rare and interesting benefits are goji berry, barberry and golden berry– all of which are easy to find dried. Goji berries (also known as wolf berries) cultivate happiness in the heart, support the vascular system and offer protective benefits to the eyes. All bodily systems that need extra support as we age. If you are lucky, you can find these little gems fresh during the summer or they are available dried anytime of the year. Another dear choice that we snack on at Leaf People, are the often-overlooked barberries. Aside from being very concentrated in vitamin C and other nutrients, these little wonders have incredible calming properties for joints and muscles, support the vascular system and combat exposure to toxins. We love eating them dried, but they are also a nice addition to tea and a more nutritious substitute to currants in yogurt, granola or other recipes. Our last cherished choice, that is always at arm’s reach, are golden berries. With a taste bud bursting and tart flavor, these fruits are packed with antioxidants and phytosterols to support whole body health, provide soothing benefits for overworked or cranky muscles, support mouth health and are a wonderful option for anyone dealing with high cholesterol.
