Antioxidants:  BERRIES Benefits!

 

Blackberries, Blueberries, Black Raspberries, Red Raspberries, Strawberries, Cranberries greatly benefit our health and beauty.

Scientists have found that berries have some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fresh fruits. Fresh berries are some of the most powerful and delicious disease-fighting foods available.

Some of their properties include:

Anthocyanins
Colour pigments in berries are powerful antioxidants. Blue, purple, and red colour have been associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, urinary tract health, memory function, and healthy ageing.

Antioxidants
Substances that protect the body by neutralizing free radicals or unstable oxygen molecules, which can damage the cells and are a major source of disease and ageing.

Catechins
Catechins are flavonols that support the antioxidant defence system. Catechins found in cranberries may contribute to cancer prevention.

Ellagic Acid
Ellagic Acid is a phenolic compound known as a potent anti-carcinogen which has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

Dietary Fiber
Fibre helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract and may help prevent certain types of cancers, reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Gallic Acid
A potent antioxidant also found in black tea and red wine which prevents cancer as well.

ORAC
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity values are a measure of the antioxidant activity.

Phytochemicals – Antioxidants
The pigments that give berries their rich red to blue, black and purple colours are a type of phytochemical that has been shown to have significant disease-fighting and cell-protecting antioxidant capacity.

Quercetin
Is an anti-carcinogen, antioxidant flavonol that also protects against cancer and heart disease.

Rutin
A bioflavonoid that promotes vascular health, helps to prevent cancer and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.

Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid found in cranberries may prove to have the same protective effect against heart disease as aspirin. A 100-gram serving (about 3 /4 cup) of red raspberries contains around 5 milligrams of salicylic acid.

Vitamin C
A water-soluble vitamin that functions as a powerful antioxidant.

Some others are:
Vitamin K, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium, Folate, Potassium.

 

Some effects of all these compounds include:

1. Berries keep you mentally sharp
2. Berries help manage diabetes
3. Berries might prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
4. Berries could boost heart health
5. Because of their fibre and liquid content berries help weight control
6. They diminish high blood pressure
7. Flavonoids in berries Fight cancer
8. Cranberries are excellent to fight Urinary tract infections
9. Strawberries decrease inflammation

So, let’s eat berries!

Last entry shows a delicious recipe and a magnificent mask you just can’t miss!

I am Love … I am Success!

Remember that loving ourselves means taking care, pampering and enjoying our health and our bodies; looking good and feeling good to please ourselves in the very first place and then to please others. The book I am Love … I am Success takes you through the path of the love for ourselves!