'Berries' are good for health

The term berry, in common parlance and in cuisine, refers generically to any small, edible fruit with multiple seeds. These fruits tend to be small, sweet, juicy, and of a bright color. Berries are delicious gifts from nature. Fruits like grapes, banana, currant, cranberry, blueberry, gooseberry are berries and aggregate fruits such as blackberry, raspberry, and boysenberry are not true berries.

Delicious, berries are one of the best nutritional bargains. They are low in fat and calories, but high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidantsdefine which helps to prevent cancerdefine and heart disease. Its not only sources of concentrated flavor, but little packets of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Plant foods don't just contain major nutrients, like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, but also large quantities of non-nutrient compounds or phytochemicals. These provide additional health benefits. Phytochemicals are biologically active, naturally occurring chemical components in plant foods. They are present in a number of frequently consumed foods, especially fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and seeds. Berries in general are a good source of vitamins and phytochemicals. Berries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision, especially blueberries and raspberries.

Phytochemical called Phenolic Flavonoids are found in fruits like berries, in grape juice and red wine, reduce the risk of heart diseases by acting as antioxidants. Phytochemicals have been associated with the prevention or treatment of diseases leading causes of death like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.

Blueberries in the diet even showed improved memory. Eating berries may be good for mental health, diets rich in berries may help the aging brain stay sharp. Blueberries are especially high in these chemicals, perhaps the highest of all fruits.

Berries spoil quickly, especially if they are broken or stored in dump condition.
Before buy berries in a store, look for ripe, colorful, yet firm bodies, with no sign of mold or mushy spots, check them carefully. Also don't wash the berries untill you're ready to eat or serve them. Always store them in refrigerator, freezing and cooking do not damage them; although cooking lowers the vitamin c content.

It is important for overall health that we consume the correct portions of all of the food groups, however, there are a few that are overlooked commonly. Fruits and vegetables are some of the most healthiest foods we can eat. They are low in fat and calories, high in fiber, full of nutrients, Vitamins A and C, alpha and beta carotene, minerals and antioxidants.

Eating the right amounts of fruits and vegetables can help you to ward off diseases. By adding variety fruits and vegetables in your diet, keeps you and your family healthier.
The problem is we all lead busy lives. Between jobs, kids, and all the stresses of life, we simply don't make the time to eat as healthily as we know we should.