Berries
What’s the big deal about antioxidants?
“Antioxidant” is definitely a buzzword when it comes to healthy food, but what exactly does it mean? Antioxidants are substances that protect our bodies against free radicals — unstable molecules that are produced when our bodies break down food, or by exposure to pollution and radiation. Free radicals can damage our body’s healthy cells, and are thought to play a part in the onset of certain diseases, including Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease.
Berries of all types — blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, strawberries — are super rich in antioxidants, such as flavonols and anthocyanins, which promote cell health and can protect against disease. Anthocyanins in particular, found in large quantities in blackberries, are thought to help protect against cancer and diabetes.
Darker berries — especially ones that are black or blue in color — tend to provide the best anti-aging benefits because they have the highest concentration of antioxidants. According to some studies, blueberries may even help slow or reverse neurological degeneration, improve memory, restrict the growth of cancer cells and reduce inflammation. And as an added bonus, they’re great for urinary tract health.
Berries are also an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is good for your skin. Vitamin C helps repair damaged body tissues and has been linked to skin cancer prevention
