Berries are small, round and cute looking fruits. They are mainly of three colors- Blue, Red and Purple!
They are mainly used in fruits, jams and marmalades and also as dessert toppings. Sometimes they taste so good that they are even eaten raw!
With an amazing nutritional profile, they are typically high in fiber, Vitamin C and polyphenols.
Like all other fruits, berries grow on trees and they need full sun to grow optimally.
Let's look at the different types of berries-
1. STRAWBERRY
Strawberries are an amazing source of Vitamin C and manganese. They are bright, red and sweet. Strawberries can decrease your risk of heart diseases and cancer as well as help regulate blood sugar.
Strawberries are so amazing that they are eaten raw and fresh, these berries are used in jams, jellies, squashes. Strawberry flavored ice creams and cakes are also eaten popularly.
2. BLUEBERRY
The ONLY fruit which is blue colored, they’re low in calories and incredibly healthy, potentially regulating blood sugar levels and aiding heart and brain health.
Often marketed as a superfood, blueberries are an excellent source of several vitamins, beneficial plant compounds, and antioxidants. They’re so tasty and convenient that many people consider them their favorite fruit.
Blueberries are eaten in cheesecakes, smoothies and ice creams. Different kinds of blueberries exist, so their appearance may vary slightly.
3. CRANBERRY
Also considered as superfood, cranberries are a member of blueberry family. People can consume them in the form of a sauce or a juice. They can also add them to stuffing, casseroles, or dessert.
Due to their very sharp and sour taste, cranberries are rarely eaten raw.
If consumed regularly, cranberries or cranberry juice may reduce your risk of stomach cancer. The juice and extract also improve several risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
4. GOOSEBERRY
Popularly called as Amla, gooseberries has several culinary and herbal medicine uses, particularly in its native India. The fruits are about the size of a golf ball with a pit and thin peel. Their taste has been described as sour, bitter, and astringent.
Indian gooseberry may promote heart health, provide anti-aging effects, improve immune function, and reduce heartburn severity and cancer risk. However, more research in humans is needed to fully understand these potential effects.
5. BLACKBERRY
Known for its popular black color, blackberries are rich in vitamins and minerals like Calcium, Potassium and Manganese. Just one cup of raw blackberries has 30.2 milligrams of vitamin C. That’s half the daily recommended value!
Blackberries are known to boost your brain power and boosting digestion. Blackberries are also low in calories, making them a great snack when you are hungry. The presence of various antioxidants and vitamins make blackberries one of the best fruits that help boost immunity.
6. ACAI BERRY
Acai Berries have a dark purple skin and yellow flesh surrounding a large seed. They are popularly used in health supplements for the purported benefits they provide in holistically improving health.
Hence, it is safe to say that acai berries are very healthy if consumed regularly.
To make them edible, they are soaked to soften the tough outer skin and then mashed to form a dark purple paste. They have an earthy taste that’s often described as a cross between blackberries and unsweetened chocolate.
Acai is incredibly rich in antioxidants, boasting three times the amount found in blueberries. Since fresh acai berries have a short shelf life, they’re mainly exported and widely available in three main forms — purées, powders and juices.
The juice is loaded with antioxidants, but it’s also the highest in sugar and lacking in fiber. Although, if filtered, the juice may contain fewer antioxidants.
7. RASPBERRY
Raspberries are enjoyable all year long, whether they're fresh or frozen. They are the most delicious and versatile berries! Raspberries also contain manganese and vitamin K, which both play a role in bone health. And they supply smaller amounts of vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron, and potassium.
Raspberries are a versatile fruit that can be incorporated into breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. Buy fresh raspberries in season or purchase them frozen to use at any time.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Most of the berries are high in beneficial vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re low in calories, carbs, and fat. Berries are also versatile and easy to add to your diet. For the freshest taste, buy these fragile berries when they’re in season and eat them quickly after purchasing.
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