Berry Goodness
11 Nov

Berry Goodness

Oh my berry goodness – bursting with flavour and packed tight with bountiful berry benefits these babies are the perfect sweet treat, amazing in your daily smoothies, an excellent addition to your breakfast superfood bowls, fantastic with desserts and delicious as purees and sweet sauces … what don’t we love about berries?

Berries are some of the richest sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important to our body, helping to it to fight oxidative stress that is caused by free radicals. Free radicals damage our cells and cause nasty diseases and life-long illnesses. Some specific antioxidants found in berries include Vitamin C, anthocyanins & quercetin.

Vitamin C

We most commonly associate Vitamin C with healthy immune systems and use it to keep those nasty cold & flu virus far away but did you know that Vitamin C is responsible for quite a few functions of the body?

Vitamin C helps with the health and production of collagen in our bods. Collagen helps to maintain healthy cartilage keeping our joints functioning and flexible which makes Vitamin C a possible contributor to eliminating the risk of developing arthritis and helping with inflammation. Vitamin C will also help assist you with radiant and glowing skin as well as strong healthy hair – referred to as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle secret … yes please!

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid found in a number of foods most commonly, the berry. They are responsible for giving berries their beautiful rich and vibrant colour and are said to have some amazing benefits for the body like reducing inflammation and helping reduce the risk of developing conditions like arthritis. They also act as an anti-viral helping to warn of colds and infections.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in a range of plants and foods including berries. It has been used widely to treat various conditions of the heart and blood vessels as well as an inflammation treatment and to help reduce chronic fatigue.

When you team up anthocyanins and quercetin they become a dynamic duo, working together to help slow down age induced memory loss, cataracts and other macular degeneration as wells as reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

berry fact

A little bit of berry love …

If you were still looking for a few more reasons to add berries to your favourite foods list, I have it covered.

Berries are full of water and fibre. Two important components to help maintain a healthy weight and can even assist in losing some of those extra and unwanted kilos. Fibre also provides us with a healthy, functioning digestive system.

Berries are also Low GI which makes them are a great fruit snack for people with diabetes. Low GI means it has a slow effect on our blood glucose levels giving sustained energy throughout the day without those nasty highs and lows. Berries are also great in reducing those hunger hits, meaning you are less likely to snack on those twisties sitting on your neighbours desk. Low GI foods like berries can also help with weight management by preventing overeating because the fibre and water help keep us feeling full and satisfied for longer.

All of these ‘pros’ can help to improve our overall health, our skin, it helps us to feel less bloated, boosts our energy levels and keeps us glowing from the inside out! This is berry good news …

4 of my Favourite Berries:

Mulberries

Mulberries are high in anthocyanins and a great source of iron. Iron helps carry oxygen through the blood and is super important for our body’s functionality. They are also an excellent source of protein. Mulberries are a sweet berry fruit that looks a lot like a black berry and can be enjoyed fresh or dried.

mulberry fact

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C helping to improve skin elasticity and keeping it look young and fresh preventing aging and wrinkles. Strawberries also contain potassium which can help to regulate blood pressure.

strawberry fact

Raspberries

Raspberries are low in calories, rich in fibre and a good source of Vitamin C. They are also a good source of Vitamin B complex and Vitamin K, these vitamins help our body metabolise carbs, proteins and fats.

raspberry fact

Blueberries

Low in calories and full of fibre they are the perfect go to snack. They also are full of Vitamin C, in fact, just one serving can give you almost 25% of your daily value. Blueberries can also help reduce the symptoms of a Urinary tract infection inhibiting the bacteria that causes them to bind to the bladder tissue.

If you are looking for a Berry Delightful smoothie recipe then try my Berry Goodness Breakfast recipe at home … it’s berry nice:)

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Equipment

Ingredients

Method

  1. Put all the ingredients into the Vitamix 2L container in the order listed and secure the lid.
  2. Select Variable 1. Turn the machine on and quickly increase the speed to 10, then override to High.
  3. Use tamper to effectively press the ingredients into the blades if required whilst processing.
  4. Blend for 60-90 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Stop the machine and serve.

Notes

Fresh Berries are always best but if you can’t find fresh or they are not in season go for a good quality, frozen mix!

We would love to know what your favourite go-to berry is!

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