If you’re like many, you’ve researched every supplement in the book. You’re determined to improve your health in a magical way. In fact, you’re willing to try just about anything to see results.
Forget supplements -- reach for a cup of fresh berries. Seriously!
If you’re looking for ways to improve your health, consider berries your new best friend. Berries are magical in a lot of ways, and naturally so. Not only are berries jam-packed with antioxidants, they’re filled with numerous vitamins. And they taste good too.
Check out these eight types of berries, and just how they can improve your health. You’ll get more than a little bang for your buck.
1. Acai Berries
Acai berries have recently gained the spotlight of health enthusiasts. The big question… why?
One reason may be a polysaccharide found in these Amazonian berries. According to Natural News, a unique polysaccharide entitled arabinogalactan can be found in acai berries. Article author Dr. David Jockers notes that arabinogalactan may “induce robust T cell stimulatory activity,” which helps the body to combat infections.
In addition, experts say that acai berries are rich in antioxidants, which help the body to fight free radicals. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says that acai berries may contain even more antioxidants than other berries. They are also said to be high in fiber and good fats.
That said, research is limited in the actual benefits of acai berries. But time is sure to reveal new and exciting secrets about this fruit.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries may offer preventative and combative effects when it comes to cancer. A relatively recent study in mice showed that a polysaccharide (BBP3-1) found in blueberries may inhibit the growth of tumors. Study authors concluded that the polysaccharide inhibited the rate of tumor growth by 73.4 percent. Another study analyzed the effects of blueberry extracts on melanoma. Researchers found that these extracts could potentially be used as a chemopreventive or adjuvant treatment for metastasis control.
Other studies indicate that blueberries may be helpful in the treatment of prediabetes. Obese rats were given either a high fat or low fat diet including blueberry powder or added sugars. Among the numerous health benefits found, study authors say that the rats that consumed the higher fat diet and blueberry substance were found to have both reduced triglycerides and fasting insulin. In addition, they had a lowered amount of abdominal fat. Other studies indicate that blueberries can improve insulin sensitivity in obese, nondiabetic, and insulin-resistant humans. So when it comes to preventing diabetes, blueberries are a go-to method of protection.
Blueberries may also provide cardiovascular benefits. One study shows that blueberries can improve diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number). Another study found that a combination of blueberries and strawberries decreases the risk of heart attack in young and middle-aged women.
3. Strawberries
Those tasty strawberries we all love are pretty swell when it comes to health. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, researchers have given strawberries a place on the list of best antioxidant sources with a ranking of 50. And they ranked fourth in the fruits category.
Strawberries are special for a number of reasons. First, experts say that this fruit may be able to reduce spikes in blood sugar. That’s a good thing if you like sweets. In addition, when consumed regularly, strawberries may be an anti-inflammatory food. Plus, strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, making them a great way to boost your immune system.
4. Goji Berries
Experts say that goji berries (or wolfberries) have been used by Chinese medicine practitioners for more than 2,000 years. And traditional medicine practitioners have found benefits as well. One particular study determined that wolfberries can improve the protection offered by a flu shot. In the study, researchers gave mice wolfberries for a month and then a flu shot or saline shot. The mice who consumed wolfberries had higher flu antibodies than those who only received saline. In addition, wolfberries may be good for the eyes. Researchers say that wolfberries contain zeaxanthin. When combined with lutein, zeaxanthin has been shown to reduce the risk of both cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
5. Bilberries
Though studies on this berry are scarce, it landed on our list for an important reason. Bilberries have been popular for hundreds of years when it comes to fruits that treat disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bilberries are filled with anthocyanosides, which help the body to fight free radicals. Some studies also show that a combination of bilberry and oatmeal may help those with diabetes to regulate blood sugar. In addition, some believe that bilberries can be helpful in treating diarrhea. And bilberries were used in World War II to improve nighttime vision. That said, studies on this fruit are lacking. So take all of this with a grain of salt.
6. Cranberries
No one likes UTIs. That’s why cranberries are a must-eat food for females. They combat painful urinary tract infections. According to Medical News Today, the proanthocyanidins that cranberries contain help to keep some bacteria from hanging onto the walls of the urinary tract. This helps the body to fight UTIs. That said, studies show that one popular assumption about cranberries could be wrong. Cranberry juice may not be the go-to method of natural treatment of UTIs. Instead, cranberry capsules have been shown to be more helpful.
7. Raspberries
According to the Berry Health Benefits Network, red raspberries are considered to be a partner in good health for a number of reasons. First, they’re filled with antioxidants. These help the body deal with many things- -- from cancer to heart disease. In addition, experts say that raspberries contain ellagic acid, which may help the body to fight inflammation. And the oil of raspberries has been shown to protect against sun damage. In fact, red raspberry oil is said to have an SPF of somewhere between 25 and 50. This has earned it a thumbs up from some cosmetic companies. And finally, the ketones found in red raspberries are considered a weight loss supplement in Japan.
8. Blackberries
Blackberries are not only tasty; they’re great for your health. Experts at the Berry Health Benefits Network say that blackberries contain both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Plus, they’re chart toppers when it comes to antioxidants. In addition, they’re filled with vitamins and fiber, making them a possible way to lower the risk of developing cancer. (A cup of blackberries has more than seven grams of fiber. That’s a pretty good amount.)