If you’ve ever had the pleasure of picking berries right from a garden or gathering wild berries in the woods, you already know how wonderful and tasty fresh berries are. If not, you can still find fresh berries in the summer at farmers’ markets and pick-your-own berry farms. They’re also available any time of the year at supermarkets and grocery stores.
Berries are low in calories, high in fiber and they contain the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function normally. One cup of strawberries contains over 100 milligrams of vitamin C, almost as much as a cup of orange juice. You need vitamin C for immune system function and for strong connective tissue. Strawberries also add a bit of calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium and have only 53 calories.
One cup of blueberries offers a smaller amount of vitamin C, minerals and phytochemicals for only 83 calories. The same amount of cranberries is similar, but with only 44 calories; one cup of raspberries offers vitamin C and potassium for 64 calories.
You can choose other berries with similar nutrition, such as loganberries, currants, gooseberries, lingonberries and bilberries.
Berries contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help to prevent some forms of cancer. Cranberries and blueberries contain a substance that may prevent bladder infections. Eating a diet rich in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries may help to reduce your risk of several types of cancers. Blueberries and raspberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision.
Every grocery store carries a wide variety of fresh, canned and frozen berries. Look in the produce section for ripe, firm, brightly colored berries with no sign of mold or mushy spots. Fresh berries are easy to eat and they don’t require much preparation. Most berries are naturally sweet so you don’t need to add sugar or toppings. Just rinse them under water and serve for a nutritious snack or dessert.
Berries can also be found in the frozen foods section of the grocery store. Look for berries that are frozen without any added sugar or syrup. Frozen berries aren’t as firm as freshly picked berries (after they thaw anyway), but they are still delicious and nutritious.
Dried berries are sold in the snack aisle of the grocery store. They look like raisins and can be used in recipes that call for raisins. www.nutrition.about.com. May 15, 2013.