8 Amazing Health Benefits Of Berries!

Berries are probably the first fruit to be consumed from a fruit basket. They look pretty, taste good and make pastries better. When it comes to the health benefits of berries, all berries pack a powerful punch – and have some rather amazing benefits.

Here Are 8 Of The Amazing Health Benefits Of Berries:

• Strawberries abound with more vitamin C than oranges; they are also one of the best cures for constipation. The high fibre content of the fruit is known to help improve bowel function. And unlike prunes, which can have the opposite effect if you’re not adequately hydrated, strawberries are 92 per cent water. The seeds (which are around 200 in every berry) brush through the gut undigested and helps in cleaning the gut wall and also support colorectal health.
• Berries help in preventing Parkinson’s disease. According to research, people who eat at least two servings of berries per week have a 25 per cent less chance of developing Parkinson’s disease than their peers. The same study showed that men who consume the highest intake of flavonoids (which are abundant in berries) reduced their risk by 40 per cent.
• A study done on endurance athletes suggested that frequent consumption of blueberries significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation as compared to that of a control group. It also helps in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
• Blackberries were called gout berry by the ancient Greeks as they were used as a remedy for gout. Many generations ago in American folk medicine, Cherries were eventually discovered to be more effective since cherries contain an enzyme that neutralises uric acid.  
• Raspberries can help fight inflammation in gout the same way that aspirin or ibuprofen does by shutting off signals sent by COX-1s and COX-2s enzymes which are accountable for the body’s inflammatory response. Raspberries also contain antioxidant carotenoids, ellagic acid and quercetin (a type of flavonoid antioxidant that is found in plant foods including leafy greens and tomatoes).
• Belly fat may be a signal of higher risk for certain diseases, including diabetes and heart diseases. Blueberries are proven to help boost fat-burning in the abdomen and also lowering the dangerous triglyceride levels.
• Berries can help you get great skin. Not just from the high water content and the antioxidants present that you eat but by putting them on your skin as a face mask can tone and remove impurities. (Crush 2 tablespoons blueberries; mix with juice and 1 cup brown sugar and 3 tablespoons fresh lemon. Softly scrub onto your face and rinse with cool water.)  
• A close relative of blueberries and huckleberries, bilberries have conventionally been a favoured treatment for ulcers, so it is no surprise that they encourage the increase of protective mucus in the stomach and the list of health benefits of berries goes on.

Studies have shown that blackberries are a great source of manganese and vitamins C and K. From my knowledge, these nutrients are necessary for your body to perform functions, such as a healthy immune system, the healing of wounds, and iron absorption might depend on vitamin C. It might also work as an antioxidant, scavenging cancer-causing free radicals. The role of vitamin K in blood clotting and bone health may be crucial. Manganese may aid energy production, immune function, bone formation, reproduction, and blood coagulation.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Berries You Should Avoid!

Now that we’ve mentioned the health benefits of eating berries, here are some berries you must avoid at all costs! Some berries may look really appealing and you may feel tempted to try them out but they can be really toxic to your health –  

Researchers have found that people with metabolic syndrome who consume blueberries may experience lower blood pressure. It may be because nitric oxide, which is believed to relax blood vessels, is produced more by the body when blueberries are consumed daily. Therefore, always eat blueberries in moderation, especially if you have any metabolic syndromes.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

• Mistletoe: Consuming these berries may lead to diarrhoea, stomach ache and blurry vision. Viscotoxin present in these berries is known to kill human cells.  
• Holly Berries: Vomiting, dehydration, drowsiness and diarrhoea are some common symptoms of ingesting this berry.
• Jerusalem Cherry: These berries are not only harmful to humans but also toxic to animals like dogs, cats and horses. These berries prompt perspiration, fever, nausea, stomach cramps, increased heart rate, gastric issues and headache when consumed.
• Yew Seeds: These berries in particular can be so harmful to your health that it can trigger you into a state of coma. Apart from this, it also causes symptoms of headache, blue lips, breathing difficulties and a sudden drop in your heart rate.
• Ivy Berries: These berries are popular for containing oxalates which are needle-shaped crystals. Ingesting these berries can cause your lips, tongue, skin and face to swell.

Blueberries may stave off rising blood sugar levels since they are low in sugar and high in fibre compared to other fruits. Researchers believe it may help patients to regulate their blood sugar in specific medical disorders . In my opinion, daily consumption of blueberries may decrease certain markers of cardiometabolic health including triglycerides.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: 5 Health  Benefits of Kokam

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