The Skinny
Almost everyone loves berries. They are usually sweet and tasty and can be munched straight up, gobbled up in cereal or salads, and of course, baked into all sorts of cakes, muffins, pies and breads. Good stuff. But did you know lots of berries are jam-packed (pun intended) with nutritional and health benefits? If not, you should. Once again WellWell is on hand to deliver on the berry benefits.
The Slate
Cranberries
These guys may be a bit sour to some, but they are loaded with vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, such as flavanones, anthocyanins, and flavanols. Cranberries are used in juices, jams and lots of baked items. One note, many cranberry products contain added sugar to offset their tart taste.
Blueberries
Got to love blueberries for all sorts of reasons including being heart-healthy thanks to the potassium, folate, fiber and vitamin C they contain. They also hold antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help thwart cognitive decline.
Huckleberries
Yankee shortstop and baseball Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto never called anyone a blackberry, but he did call a few people huckleberry. He apparently knew the difference, although many get the two confused. No matter. What’s important to remember is that huckleberries have immunity strengthening properties given their high fiber content. They are also loaded with vitamin C.
Chokeberry
Some know them as Aronia berries. Regardless, chokeberries hold plenty of plant antioxidants and can be used to treat colds. Other feelgood gains from chokeberries include their ability to support immune systems and lessen inflammation related to diabetes. They are also a boon to people with metabolic syndrome (much like fasting).
Lingonberries
These tart specimens are often used in preserves and juices and are the Swedish berry of choice. By themselves, they are low in calories, but high in vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber.
Bilberries
Considered the European blueberry, they are generally tarter than their American counterpart. But contain healthy amounts of fiber, carbohydrates and protein. They also contain a decent dollop of sugar as well.
Goji Berries
Goji berries and wolfberries are one in the same in case anyone was wondering. They are also reputed to be one of the healthiest berries around and have been used in China as a traditional medicine for centuries. They are believed to be particularly beneficial for eye health, although they also contain lots of wonderful antioxidants.
Salmonberries
Salmonberries don’t resemble any type of fish although they are “salmon-colored” and tend to grow near streams where salmon spawn. Quite juicy and sweet, they can be used like blackberries or raspberries. These berries historically have been relied on by indigenous people for a range of medicinal applications, but in terms of nutrients, they contain lots of vitamin C and A, along with calcium, potassium and iron.
A Milton P.S. Bananas are actually berries, but the renowned strawberry doesn’t make the berry grade. To claim true berry status, fruit has to be formed from the ovary of a single flower with a seed, or seeds, embedded on the inside of the flesh. Strawberries have their seeds studded on the outside. And forget about blackberries and raspberries being real berries. They are derived from a single flower with more than one ovary, making them “aggregate fruit”.
Eyes Up
Do you have a berry you want to boast about? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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