John Myers
Strawberries and strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, blueberries and blueberries, mulberries, and currants… The berry season is worth making the most of.
What are berries good for?
All berries are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels. They help reduce the risks or alleviate the course of diseases. Berries contain anthocyanins, which are an excellent brain stimulant, regardless of a person’s age. Thanks to the anthocyanins and vitamins they contain, berries have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuro- and cardioprotective properties.
Strawberries, strawberries and raspberries improve liver function. Strawberries are rich in iron, so they are especially useful for those with low hemoglobin. Strawberries contain a lot of potassium, so they should be eaten by those with cardiovascular problems. Strawberries also have a diuretic effect, so they have a good effect on kidney and bladder function, and remove toxins and other harmful substances. It rejuvenates and activates metabolic processes, so it contributes to better performance.
Raspberries also contain a lot of vitamin C, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and have a diaphoretic effect. Due to acetylsalicylic acid, it lowers cholesterol, reduces inflammation in the joints. Raspberries reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 15%.
Black currant contains the same substances as some medications for depression. These are monoamine oxidase inhibitors. This enzyme destroys the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, and if you slow it down, the neurotransmitters last longer and you feel happier.
It is enough to eat 50 g of black or 150 g of white or red currants to meet your daily vitamin C requirement. The berry strengthens the immune system, blood vessel walls, and improves memory and concentration. Red and yellow currants have diaphoretic properties, increase appetite and quench thirst. Red currants have a lot of pectins, so they are good at removing toxins from the body.
Blueberries are useful primarily for their bactericidal properties. It is good for gum disease and sore throat. And thanks to its hypoglycemic properties, it is recommended for people with diabetes.
Mulberry is also especially useful for those with sugar problems. It normalizes blood sugar levels and does not cause allergies. Mulberry is a neutral berry, it can be eaten by everyone.
How to eat berries and fruits for maximum health benefits
Include berries in your daily diet. An adult should eat 300-400 grams of berries daily. It is best to divide them into 2-3 meals. The vitamin C contained in berries is water-soluble, so when its concentration in the blood reaches a threshold value, the kidneys begin to excrete it. The rest of the biologically active compounds are also excreted by the kidneys and do not accumulate.
After eating berries, rinse your mouth with water: the acid contained in the berries can harm tooth enamel. Fresh berries are aggressive because they contain a lot of fruit acids and can cause heartburn. Therefore, fresh berries with sourness are contraindicated for people with gastrointestinal problems and ulcers. It is best for such people to use berries in jellies, mousses, make casseroles, and avoid fresh berries.
Buy and pick berries in the morning and keep them in the refrigerator. Low temperatures prevent berries from spoiling and destroying biologically active compounds.
Soak berries and fruits in a soda solution (2 tsp of soda per 1 liter of water). This is necessary to reduce the content of pesticides that are used to treat berries during cultivation and transportation. Soak stone berries in a concentrated salt solution before consumption. In this way, the white worms that lived in the cherry or sweet cherry will leave the fruit and die in the salt water, and you will simply drain them.
Combine berries with fats. This is necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines. Vitamin E, present in berries, will be better absorbed with fats.
Make fruit drinks, not compotes. To do this, simply crush the berries and cover with water. The benefit of such a drink is the preservation of vitamins and the speed of preparation.
Freeze rather than cook jam. Berries and fruits should be eaten all year round. And freezing them is a triple win: you don’t increase your intake of added sugars, you don’t destroy vitamin C by prolonged heating, and you don’t waste time in the kitchen.
Consume whole berries and fruits, not juices. They are most useful in this form.
Cherry, cherry, or plum pits contain the substance amygdalin, which turns into poisonous cyanide. Therefore, they should not be chewed. An accidentally swallowed cherry pit will not harm you, but it is better to be careful.
It should be added that berries and fruits are not medicines. But their lack in the diet can negatively affect your health. Keep this in mind and take your vitamins for health!
