berries

Berries have the greatest antioxidant content per serving compared to any other food (see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here). Blackberries, Indian gooseberries, and goji berries rank among the highest in terms of antioxidant levels and offer one of the best nutrition bangs for our buck. Antioxidant-rich foods can affect nitric oxide activity, which helps our arteries relax and dilate normally, and can increase stool weight. Berry antioxidants appear to survive processing., but one shouldn’t eat berries in the presence of dairy products, as this may suppress their antioxidant effects.

Berries may be helpful in the prevention of chronic disease, including cancer and heart disease. Organic berries appear preferable. And the more berries you eat, the more benefit you derive. Indian gooseberries may be effective in treating diabetes , cancer cell growth and invasion, but avoid Ayurvedic preparations such as triphala, because of lead, mercury, and arsenic contamination. Rosehips (the berry of the rose plant) have been found to reduce osteoarthritis pain. And berries may even help slow the progression of COPD (emphysema). Just about the only thing berries won’t do for us is lower cholesterol. So remember to include berries in your diet–they are so very healthy and economical. And speaking of remembering – blueberries also have been shown to improve memory!

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