Slim down with these powerful Superfoods

As stated on Closeronline, these little fruits pack a potent punch! Read on to see what these sweet treats have in store. In recent years, more studies have revealed the different health benefits of berries. And according to Teri Hatcher, they make a great snack! But these super foods aren’t just tasty and delicious; they are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants too. “Virtually all fruits and vegetables have antioxidants”, Gene Bruno, nutrition and vitamin expert for Great Earth Vitamins, explains. “Some of the antioxidants are more absorbable by your body than others. And with berries, the antioxidants are very bioavailable and extremely powerful”. Some varieties have stronger antioxidants than others, and some have medical values that you may have never heard of.

Acai Berries

These are fairly new, popping up in different smoothies and teas.  Bruno explains, “Its called a berry, but it doesn’t belong  to the same family, botanically speaking”.  This pseudo-berry is different because it seems to have “monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good for you”.  Acai berries also have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, but don’t toss your ibuprofen just yet – it’s probably still your most effective bet for pain relief.

Cranberries

When you think of cranberry juice, urianry-tract infections probably come to mind. In addition to antioxidants this oungent berry has been shown to be very effective in promoting a healthy urinary-tract. “It prevents E.coli [the bacteria that causes most urinary-tract infections] from attaching to tract”, says Bruno. So when you can drink cranberry juice or take a supplement you shouldn’t have to worry about that annoying little infection.

Raspberries

These tasty berries are packed with fibre and antioxidants, and their leaves provide additional value.  Red-raspberry leaf has been used in herbal medicine for a long time. “It has been used to help women strenghten the uterus during pregnancy and to help prevent miscarriage”, explains Bruno. So if you’re pregnant or planning on getting preganant, speak to your doctor about adding some raspberry tea to your diet.

Blueberries

Due to it’s dark colour, this juicy berry has the greatest amount of natural antioxidants and therefore has been linked to preventing different cancers. But it’s not just blueberries that do the trick.  “Antioxidants in general help to prevent oxidation, which is what damages various cells”, explains Bruno “its fairly well established that when you increase your antioxidant intake you can reduce your risk for certain types of cancer as well as heart disease”.

Goji Berries

In Asia, they have been used for ages to treat a wide array of ailments including skin rashes, poor vision and diabetes.  “Research suggests that they seem to have some advocacy in lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol levels”, Bruno explains.  “They have some very nice cardivascular properties”.  Although you won’t see this berry in the produce or aisle or in the freezer section, it’s commonly found as a supplement and in various teas.

Strawberries

Jennifer Garner introduced this sweet treat to her daughter Violet.  In addition to having fibre and antioxidants, strawberries are rich in lycopene. “They’ve been shown to be beneficial in preventing breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. They’ve also proven to be really effective in helping to promote cardivascular health”, according to Bruno. Diets rich in Lycopene can reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardivascular ailments.

Bilberries

These are European blueberries.  Although you may not see them in your supermarket, they are available as supplements. Bilberries are recommended for people with poor vision. “There have been studies showing that they are protective against macular degeneration”, says Bruno. WW2 pilots used to swear by this berry, saying it helped thier night vision, and now science backs it up. If you’re having trouble seeing at night, ask your doctor about this supplement.

Berry Smoothie

1 cup strawberries

1 cup raspberries

1 cup blueberries

1 banana

1 1/2 cups of skim milk

11/2 cups of vanilla frozen yoghurt

1 cup crushed ice

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

Garnish with a strawberry, serves 4.

Credit: Closer Magazine