You probably didn’t think a tiny berry would have any effect on you at all. In fact, researchers are finding berries may be one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are just a few of the sweet treats that may improve your health and might even help fight cancer and memory loss – according to some preliminary reports.
Vitamin C is associated with a strong immune system and strong connective tissues. One cup of strawberries contains almost as much vitamin C as one cup of orange juice. Blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries are also good sources of vitamin C. This may be the key to unlocking your healthy side.
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are 4 of the top 10 fruits and vegetables in reference to their total antioxidant power. Antioxidants are thought to protect you from damage by free radicals. Free radicals can lead to something as serious as clogged arteries and something as minor as wrinkles on your face. Research thus far has only taken place in test tubes and animals but researchers appear somewhat confident the results will benefit humans too.
Ellagic acid is found in high levels in strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Certain of its properties have generated interest in its potential health benefits, including the potential for suppressing breast, colon, cervical and esophageal cancer cells, according to cancer expert Daniel Nixon, MD. Blueberries helped improve memory loss and agility in middle-aged rats. According to James Joseph, PhD, this might potentially play a role in aiding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease patients.
Berries are also very low in calories. This is a guilt-free choice for those trying to lose weight or stay in shape. They’re also very simple to prepare. Buy them or pick them yourself, wash them, and eat! Get them frozen or get them fresh. Use them to make berry good juices with your Jack LaLanne Power Juicer and smoothies. Either way, it’s a healthy and tasty choice for any meal or snack.
Use your Power Juicer to make these berryful recipes:
Raspberry Rush
2 pt. raspberries
1 large orange (peeled)
1 medium lime (peeled)
Serve over crushed ice.
Berry Fizz
1 cup cranberries
1 cup strawberries (hulled)
1 cup raspberries
Juice ingredients then pour the mixture into a glass with 1 cup sparkling apple cider.
Strawberry Special
5 large strawberries (hulled)
1/2 pt. raspberries
1/2 lemon (peeled)
Berry Surprise Muffins
2 cups whole-grain flour
2/3 cup honey
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. lemon or orange pulp
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 tsp. salt
2 egg whites
3/4 cup blueberries
3/4 cup raspberry pulp
1/4 cup raspberry juice
Preheat oven to 400° F. Mixture 1: Combine whole-grain flour, honey, baking powder, and lemon or orange pulp. Mix thoroughly. Mixture 2: Combine orange juice, canola oil, egg whites, raspberry juice and raspberry pulp. Mix thoroughly. Combine mixture 1 and 2 together. Gently stir in fresh blueberries. Grease muffin pan and fill muffin pan.
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes.
Note: Research for this article was done through Prevention magazine and About.com.