Six Types of Berries and Their Benefits

We have berries almost on a regular basis. Though we regard berries as fruits, the actual definition states berries to be “fleshy fruits produced from a single ovary.” In any case, berries in general are highly beneficial for our bodies, with different types of berries serving different purposes. Let’s look at 6 of the berries that are the most beneficial to the human body.

Cranberries

Cranberries are often an essential part of holiday celebrations, with cranberry juice and cranberry sauce being popular choices. There are quite a few health benefits of cranberries, which are packed with fibers and antioxidants like Vitamins C and E.

Cranberries are known to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially among those who have recurring UTIs, as it contains proanthocyanidins that fight off the infection by not allowing bacteria to stick to the walls of the urinary tract.

These proanthocyanidins also benefit oral health and can prevent gum disease. The polyphenols in cranberries reduce blood pressure and prevent accumulation of platelets, and thus can prevent cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, researchers have shown that cranberries can even prevent cancer by slowing the growth of tumors.

It specially showed promising results for certain types of cancer like breast, ovarian, prostate, liver and colon cancers. With so many benefits, cranberries should be consumed in larger amounts.

Blueberries

Blueberries have the highest amount of antioxidants among most of the common fruits. Antioxidants protect the body from many types of damage. As a consequence of all the antioxidants found in blueberries, this fruit is capable of reducing the damage to your DNA. In doing so, blueberries are effectively reducing the aging process of your body. Consuming more blueberries can slow down your aging process.

This also means that blueberries can prevent damage to the muscles after a rigorous session at the gym. It also has boosting effects on the brain’s health, resulting in better memory. Other than that, blueberries contains nutrients that are essential in prevention of cancer. Many studies have claimed that blueberries can reduce risks of heart diseases as well as blood pressure, which are both leading causes of untimely death.

Blueberries can also improve the sensitivity of insulin and lower the blood sugar, thus having anti-diabetic properties.

Blackberries

Blackberries are available in most grocery stores these days. In one cup of blackberries, you will find just 62 calories, and less than 1 gram fat. That shows how healthy blackberries really are. They also have fiber and Vitamin A that helps in the digestion process. This allows our cholesterol levels to be kept in check, which in turn protects us from cardiovascular disease.

Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Manganese, blackberries are good for the bones. Not only do they develop bones but also maintain the strength. Additionally, a 2009 study claimed that our motor and cognitive skills are benefitted by the intake of blackberries, and is especially beneficial to the elderly, as cognitive and motor skills often decline at older ages.

Blackberries also help in the production of white and red blood cells and in metabolism of carbs, fats and proteins in our bodies.

Raspberries

Raspberries are another type of berry that are highly beneficial to the human body. There are many health benefits of raspberries, but they are known particularly for the effects on vision and immunity of the body. The antioxidants and Ellagic acid in raspberries protect the retina. It doesn’t allow cataracts to form and prevents age driven vision loss, and can in fact improve our vision.

Raspberries also contain a high dosage of Vitamin C, an essential vitamin in the functioning of the immune system. They clean and purify the blood and cells, making our immune system better in the process. Like most other berries, raspberries are also good in preventing cancerous growths in the body.

If you are hungry but on a diet, have raspberries which contain Ketones that can breakdown fats quickly. As a result, raspberries are effective when you are trying to lose weight and reduce your waistline, while still satiating your hunger.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are originally from the mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, but are available all around the world nowadays. It is often called a superfruit, as it contains a lot of essential nutrients. Alongside the anti-cancer and anti-aging properties common to berries in general, Goji berries are great for restoration of energy. They help remove waste products that cause fatigue in the body. Additionally, Goji berries are often said to increase libido and cure male infertility.

Traditionally they have been used for many years as a medicine for important body organs, like liver and kidney. Goji berries are known to de-stress you and relieve you of anxiety, thus helping you sleep better. They also promote better vision and can even prevent glaucoma. A 2010 study also claimed that juice of the Goji berry can protect us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Acai Berries

Acai berries, specially the organic acai berries, have recently gained a large consumer base due to its plethora of health benefits. While the benefits of acai berries are nothing uncommon to the berries family, the specialty is that this berry’s benefits are a combination of many of the others discussed so far.

Acai is good for your heart’s health and your brain’s health. It can help you in your weight loss regime and aid in the digestive process of the body. Acai has properties that are beneficial to the skin, and can slow down the aging process. It is also said to have cancer preventive and immunity boosting nutrients in it, like Vitamin C, Ellagic acid, etc.

Like Goji berries, acai berries are a good aphrodisiac. They don’t allow harmful substances to build up inside the body, and are excellent when it comes to instantaneous boosting of your energy levels. In other words, acai berries have a ton of benefits and should be consumed regularly.

The berries listed above are some of the most beneficial for our bodies. We recommend that you include some or all of these into your daily diet to keep you fit and healthy.