Berries have been shown to be some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Every month or so it seems new research is being published and new berries are being discovered and analyzed for their health giving properties. As well as multi level marketing companies jumping on the bandwagon to make a fast buck.
Extremely high in antioxidants, berries rank among my favorite foods. So here is my list of different kinds of berries that are extremely high health benefits (in no specific order).
1. Goji Berries
Traditional societies link this potent berry to sexual vitality, happiness, longevity, and overall physical strength. Grown in Tibet and Nepal, goji berries have been scientifically linked to possessing the ability to fight negative health conditions and protect the liver from contaminates.
Deep red in color, goji berries are composed of 18 essential amino acids, 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E, linoleic acid, selenium, germanium, and more amounts of beta carotene than the common orange carrot.
A study from the Chinese Journal of Oncology found that patients with cancer responded better to treatment when goji berries were added to their daily diet.
Other Names for Goji Berries: Chinese Wolfberry, Mede Berry
2. Blueberries
The blueberry is literally an antioxidant powerhouse. That famous deep blue color is related to high amounts of phytonutrients called anthocyanidins. These phytonutrients aid in the process of neutralizing free radical damage in our cells.
Overtime, the collagen matrix of our tissues and cells begins to deteriorate. Blueberries help to keep this from happening, with the highest capacity for free-radical neutralization of any other berry.
A recent study from Tufts University analyzed over 50 common fruits and vegetables, looking for hard scientific data on their antioxidant capabilities. Blueberries consistently came out on top of this list. Blueberries aid in the ability of the body to synthesize vitamin C, as well as improve the integrity of capillaries and tissues.
Blueberries also help to reduce our chances of developing diseases related to inflammation of the cells. This includes a reduced risk for heart disease, many types of cancer, cataracts, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, glaucoma, and peptic ulcers. The American Institute for Cancer Research has stated the following in reference to this powerful blue fruit: “We now know that blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants, substances that can slow the aging process and reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer.”
3. Acai Berries
The acai berry is a relatively new-found health treasure. Once only known in the forests of the Amazon rainforest, the acai berry was traditionally used as a powerfully healing, energy-boosting fruit.
Similar to red wine, acai berries are dense in levels of anthocyanins, a substance associated with heart health and lowered levels of cholesterol.
