DNA in every single cell of your body is attacked 10,000 times by free radicals every day, according to the book, 'The Antioxidant Miracle'. Free radicals are dangerous because they cause oxidative stress that contributes to a variety of illnesses. You need antioxidants to fight these free radicals to keep you healthy. In the Burlington area, the presence of various types of berries makes it an antioxidant heaven. Here are five berries and their antioxidant properties that you should be adding to your diet for a healthier lifestyle.
Ariona Berries
These superberries are similar in size to blueberries but a bit darker in color. Ariona berries contain a type of antioxidant called caffeic acid. This is beneficial to health because it prevents DNA damage of the cells in the body which can lead to diseases such as cancer. Ariona berries are grown organically in the USA, found in North American woodlands and swamps, but are becoming more available because of their high nutrient content.
Blueberries
An antioxidant called anthocyanins is found in purple, blue, or red produce. A great example of anthocyanin-boosting fruit is the humble blueberry. Even when it's dried as a powder, it can still benefit the brain. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that a supplement containing dried blueberry powder boosted brain power in children between the ages of seven and 10.
Bilberries
These berries are related to other popular berries, like blueberries and cranberries. They're dark blue in color and contain anthocyanosides, a compound that boosts blood vessel health and circulation. But these berries also help to boost the quantity of glutathione in the body. It hunts for free radicals, protecting the brain against their destructive effects. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant that the body produces. Sometimes its levels can decrease, such as if you're stressed, so eating foods such as bilberries can help to raise glutathione levels and protect your body.
Little Wild Mountain Blackberries
These are native to the Pacific Northwest and have a delicious flavor that makes adding them to a variety of meals and baked goods wonderful. Plus, Little Wild Mountain Blackberries are packed with a variety of nutrients your body needs. One of these is copper. You might not think of copper as being an essential part of your diet, but this trace mineral is a must for various functions in the body, such as regulating your heart and thyroid gland. Copper also stimulates your brain so that you can think creatively. So if you need to think out of the box during your next brainstorming meeting, top up on these delicious blackberries!
Cherries
Although technically not a berry, cherries are delicious and contain polyphenols, plant chemicals that affect your brain in a positive way. Polyphenols prevent age-related problems such as dementia. They could even be seen as a way to treat this debilitating disease that affects over seven million people every year. Montmorency tart cherries are grown organically in Washington state, which keeps their delicious flavor and nutrient content intact.
Boosting your body's antioxidant levels with berries, and indeed cherries found in the Washington region can help you stay healthy while bringing extra flavor and deliciousness to your daily diet.
By Jackie Edwards