They're Just 'Berry' good for you

 

Blessings to you.

This we saw the start of our summer shape up challenge. Over the next 6 weeks we are going to see some real changes in the participant look and feel- I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

 

It was nice to have a good start to the week with some lovely sunshine.  I was due to go to my Aunties 60^th Birthday party on Monday in Northampton, but due to other commitments, I couldn’t make it. It was as shame to miss because all the family were there and it’s always nice to see them and there is always plenty of good food to indulge in.

 

I did mange to attend one family get together- a little more local this time. My girlfriends parents were having a late lunch on that day - Nothing to celebrate; just to enjoy some good food. Natalie decided  to do her bit and prepare a desert for the meal,  so she opted for a Pavlova.

Now I’m not the biggest fan of Pavlovas’ but I have to say this one was very nice. Topped with a selection of berries, sweet with a lovely crisp texture- it hit the spot! Needless to say it didn’t last long

 

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I was justifying it by saying to myself  “well at least it had fruit on it” it did get me thinking though about the benefits of berries and why we should have them regularly in our diet - Ideally unaccompanied, organic and fresh.

 

 I’ve listed  for you 5 benefits of Berries. Understanding the benefits of berries you can have an immediate positive impact on your health.

 

 

1.Blackberries.

 

 Blackberries are more than just powerful antioxidants. They are also extremely high in some of the highest forms of chronic disease and cancer-fighting compounds: vitamins C, E, and ellagic acid. They also hold high levels the soluble fiber known as pectin, a substance that studies link to lowered levels of cholesterol. Related to the rose, lab studies on these thorny-bushed berries at Ohio State University showed the ability to stop tumor formation in the oral cavity, as well as proliferation of colon cancer cells.

 

 

2. Goji Berries

Also known as the Chinese Wolfberry or Mede Berry, traditional societies link this potent berry to sexual vitality, happiness, longevity, and overall physical strength. Grown in Tibet and Nepal, Goji Berries have been scientifically linked to possessing the ability to fight negative health conditions and protect the liver from contaminates.

Deep red in colour, Goji berries are composed of 18 essential amino acids, 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E, linoleic acid, selenium, germanium, and more beta carotene than the common carrot.

A study from the Chinese Journal of Oncology found that patients with cancer responded better to treatment when Goji berries were added to their daily diet. You can even order organic Goji berries from Amazon now.

 

 

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3. Strawberries

There are though to be over 600 varieties of strawberries on the planet so you won’t have to look hard to find this famous and popular health booster. Strawberries are high in antioxidant phytonutrients known as phenols. Phenols are responsible for helping to protect the heart from disease, reducing risks of cancer, and also having some anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies show that strawberries may also help protect the brain with a powerful antioxidant capacity. Strawberries reduce macular degeneration of the eyes, and are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, many B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, iodine, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and copper.

One study from Cornell University demonstrated that strawberries stopped the proliferation of HepG(2) liver cancer cells  Another study showed that a substance found in the berry called isothiocyanate inhibited esophageal cancer.

 

4. Blueberries

The blueberry is an antioxidant resource. The deep blue colour is related to high amounts of phytonutrients called anthocyanidins. These phytonutrients aid in the process of neutralizing free radical damage in our cells.

Overtime, the collagen matrix of our tissues and cells begins to deteriorate. Blueberries help to keep this from happening, thus slowing down the aging process, helping you keep younger looking.

A recent study from Tufts University analysed over 50 common fruits and vegetables for hard scientific data on their antioxidant capabilities. Blueberries consistently ranked at the top of this list.

Blueberries also help to reduce our chances of developing certain diseases related to inflammation of the cells. This includes a reduced risk for heart disease, many types of cancer, cataracts, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, glaucoma, and peptic ulcers. The American Institute for Cancer Research states, “We now know that blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants, substances that can slow the aging process and reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer.”

 

5. Acai Berry

The acai berry is a relatively recently discovered health treasure. I recently found out about this little gem of a berry through Graham Jevon, who spoke at our recent Nutritional seminar in March. Once only known in the forests of the Amazon rainforest, the acai berry was traditionally used as a powerfully healing, energy-boosting fruit.

Similar to red wine, acai berries are dense in levels of anthocyanins, a substance associated with heart health and lowered levels of cholesterol.

Due to their strong antioxidant contents, acai berries are also related to slowing the process of aging and preventing diseases related to cellular oxidative damage. One acai berry holds ten times the amount of antioxidant vitamins as grapes, and two times the amount of blueberries.

 

 

I'd love for you to share this post with all your friends.

 

Commiited to your health.

 

 

 

Content adapted from the global healing centre website.