Summer Berries - Health Benefits
Discover the Nutritional Value of Strawberries & Raspberries
Enjoy summer berries while they are in season and at their peak of freshness, flavour and nutritional power. One of the most important health benefits of fruits stems from their high level of phytochemicals which are non-nutrient components that scientists believe may help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Berries, for example, are rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Many of the problems associated with ageing can be attributed to free radical damage which are rogue molecules that attack cells and tissues and are linked with heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants are good for us because they seek out and destroy these free radicals. Check out the following summer berries and their health benefits.
Strawberries - are wonderful superfoods. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, and one of the richest sources of vitamin C. A 100g serving provides an impressive 77mg of vitamin C. They are also a good source of folic acid and silicon, useful for arterial repair and heart health in general. Strawberries are also rich in ellagic acid which may help protect against cancer.
Raspberries - are great cleansers of the body, benefiting the liver and kidneys. They are also one of the best sources of dietary fibre, with a 100g serving providing 8g of fibre. Like strawberries they are rich in vitamin C, folate and ellagic acid.
Blackcurrants - have the highest vitamin C content of all temperate fruits, four times more than citrus fruits. The dark purple colour of blackcurrants comes from their high flavonoid content, which can help reduce blood pressure and help strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Blackcurrants are rich in vitamins A and B and soluble fibre. They are also a good source of vitamin E which has anti-inflammatory properties and their seeds are rich in gamma-linolenic acid which is an essential fatty acid which can help treat skin conditions such as eczema. Thay are delicious stewed and used in pies and preserves.
Redcurrants - are a great source of vitamin C and flavonoids. Tha flavonoid content can help counter the bacteria that can lead to urinary tract infections and food poisoning. Like blackcurrants they are rich in vitamins A and B and soluble fibre. Redcurrants, although tart, are often eaten raw and contain more flavour when they are very fresh.
Gooseberries - have been grown in Britain since the time of Henry VIII and the juice was used as medicine to cure fevers. They are low in calories and a good source of vitamins C, A and fibre. The pectin content makes them ideal for jam-making and they are commonly used in desserts and pies. The fully ripe fruit which is purple is delicious eaten raw.
