Summertime is a great time for fresh berries. Go to your local Farmer’s Market and buy some
blueberries, strawberries or raspberries.
Growing up my grandfathers grew raspberries so we often had fresh
berries to eat. Later, my father-in-law
started a berry farm and grew strawberries and raspberries. Berries are especially good fresh from the
farm. Not only are berries a tasty
summer treat, they are also good for your health. Berries offer a lot of health benefits,
including being good for your brain.
Which berries promote brain health?
Strawberries,
mulberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, black currants
(also grapes)
How do berries
promote healthy brains?
Color
– the color of fruit is important as each color contains healthy antioxidants. The red, blue and purple color of berries such
as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries provide anthocyanins. (Grapes also provide this healthy substance.)
This substance can cross into the brain and decrease inflammation, cell damage
and may even improve brain-nerve function.
Can eating berries
slow aging of your brain?
A study
of 16,000 women nurses found eating a half-cup of berries 2 or more times a
week helped prevent mental decline as shown by testing memory and cognitive
function.
Which is better,
fresh berries, juice, dried or frozen?
Most
nutritionists and health professionals would recommend fresh berries as there
is little fiber in juice. However, those
anthocyanins survive juicing so a glass of juice would also provide health
benefits. And frozen or dried berries
are OK as they retain the healthy antioxidants.
So when not in season, still enjoy frozen blueberries, strawberries,
raspberries. These are especially good
in smoothies. My husband likes to put
frozen blueberries in pancakes.
Looking for some ways to add berries to your day? Check out the US Highbush Blueberry Council as they offer numerous
recipes and ideas for incorporating blueberries into your day. Try the Balanced
Blueberry Smoothie, the Blueberry
Pomegranate Smoothie, or the Blueberry
Trail Mix. The California
Strawberry Commission offers a wealth of strawberry recipes including
recipes for desserts, smoothies, salads, breakfast and main dishes.
 |
| Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie |
This week visit a farmer’s market or buy some fresh berries
at your local store. Enjoy the taste and
improve your brain health.
 |
| Strawberry Cucumber Salad |
Sources: brain, berries,
Council, Balanced
Blueberry Smoothie, Blueberry
Pomegranate Smoothie, Blueberry
Trail Mix, California
Strawberry Commission Image
Sources: salad,
Blueberry, Raspberries
2 cups loosely packed baby spinach
1 cup frozen blueberries, rinsed
1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup ice cubes
2 Tablespoons chia seeds
Blend until smooth.
Makes 2 glasses.
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