Browse through our NT pages and you'll find dozens of articles about the health benefits of berries. So much has been written and discussed about different varieties of berries, it can become difficult to decide which ones are the best. The good news is that all berries are good for you, containing high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants. The other good news is that some berries contain extraordinary properties for specific dietary needs and therapeutic purposes. This is the "A List" of berries as reported here on Natural Therapies Pages.
Strawberries
Aside from being delicious, inexpensive when in season and fairly easy to grow, strawberries are filled with natural nutrition. Are there any other reasons for eating strawberries? In a recent article, "Strawberries May Help Reduce Harm from Alcohol", we reported on a study that suggests that strawberries contain properties that may help protect the stomach lining from damage caused by alcohol consumption. At the conclusion of their study, the Spanish research team remarked: "A diet rich in strawberries might exert a beneficial effect in the prevention of gastric diseases."
Blueberries
Another favourite, blueberries are also one of the original "superfoods." In our 2008 article, "Fad or Healthy: 14 Hot Superfoods You Need to Try", they were at the top of the list. The "magic" ingredient found in abundance in blueberries is actually a group of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which "are great for combating the oxidative stress that contributes to ageing." In another NT Pages article, blueberries were mentioned as one of the top foods for combating gout.
Maqui Berries
Maqui berries look a lot like purple blueberries and their dark purple colour is one of the keys to their reputation as a superfood. The purple pigment in maqui berries and other purple berries and flowers contains anthocyanins, the same types of antioxidants found in blueberries. However, our 2011 article, "Why Eat Maqui Berries?" reveals that maqui berries contain specific anthocyanins known as delphinidins that "demonstrate powerful anti-inflammatory activity in the body." Not only that, but studies show that they may inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells and may help prevent bacterial diseases as well.
Goji Berries
Very common in Asian countries, goji berries are usually sun dried and consumed like raisins. In Australia, goji berry juice is more commonly used. To find out just how good goji berry juice is for your health, read "Goji Berries and Goji Juice". This Natural Therapy Pages article stresses the importance of drinking goji juice that is as natural as possible. A high quality juice such as a brand sold distributors of health juices will contain all the vitamins and other nutrients that make goji berries one of Asia's legendary superfoods.
Acai Berries
We originally reported on the health benefits of acai berries in an article and again more recently in an exclusive NT Pages video. Aside from having twice as many antioxidants as blueberries and the highest ORAC level of any berry (ORAC is an antioxidant measurement), acai berries are high in protein, contain essential fatty acids similar to those found in virgin olive oil and are high in trace and macro minerals. As with other berries that are not readily available fresh, it's important to take acai products that have been processed using methods that retain all their essential nutrients.
Cranberries
Cranberries were first touted as a superfood long before the term was even coined. Back in the 1950s, their antibacterial properties took centre stage. In the sixties, doctors in the United States began recommending cranberry juice as an effective natural treatment for urinary tract diseases. More recently, cranberry juice has been shown to be able to aid in the prevention of periodontal gum disease and may even be able to help prevent ulcers. Studies have also shown that regularly drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent prostate and other cancers. Our recent article, "The Health Benefits of Cranberries" can tell you all about these remarkable berries.
Originally published on Aug 21, 2012
