Berries are tiny but colourful. Those colours are not for nothing. They indicate the richness of these fruits in terms of nutrients and that is why you must include them in your regular diet. Various types of berries have been identified to be rich sources of vitamins and minerals. They are also very effective against various illnesses. So, let us have a look at these most popular berries like blueberry, cranberry and also a fruit- strawberry which many confuse to be a berry but is in fact a fruit. I'll go through the coolest berries that you need and share the health benefits that they carry!
All berries are very high in antioxidants and are beneficial for heart, brain as well as your skin. They are believed to be helpful in reversing the ageing process, especially that of the brain, and help in preventing cognitive deterioration. Age related brain conditions such as Alzheimer's can also be prevented with regular intake of berries. At the same time the berries that are full of minerals that help cleanse the blood and are excellent for the health of the urinary tract. Certain compounds in the berries have been found to have cancer resistive properties and they also help in keeping blood pressure under check. Also, diabetic patients who cannot have a lot of sweet fruits can easily replace them with berries for their dose of vitamins and minerals (also be aware that if you have kidney issues, berries may be taken after advice from your doctors).
All berries also have their unique benefits. For instance, blueberries, due to their high water content, are excellent for weight loss. They are also observed to be helpful in arthritis and protecting you from age related brain problems. They also prevent various eye diseases such as cataracts. Strawberry has high folate content that is highly beneficial for glowing skin and also for cardiovascular disorders. Cranberries are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. While you can munch of these berries anyways, it is better if you learn to create something new with them to always bring some fun to your food platter. So, let us have a look at three quick and simple recipes that you can easily prepare!
Strawberries with Syrup:
Cut the strawberries in halves. Take some sugar (or replace it with Gur or organic honey) and simmer while adding water till it becomes thick and syrupy. Pour the solution over the berries and toss the mixture till all the pieces get covered with the syrup. To add spunk, take some whipped cream and top the strawberry mix with it as per your taste. A fantastic dessert is thus created!
Cranberry Oatmeal:
Out of all these berries, some people find cranberry to be the most difficult to consume raw due to its very strong sour taste. But you can turn it into a very healthy anti-oxidant rich breakfast. For this, just make a generous serving of oatmeal. Once it is cooked, add the cranberries and stir the concoction for a while till the sourness of the berries is neutralized by the oats. You can also add other fruits such as apples if you wish. Let it simmer for a while and then serve with sprinkled organic nuts and a honey syrup for additional taste!
Editor's note: At Pure Mart you can also buy dried cranberries online which can be eaten directly like a snack saving you all the trouble.
Blueberry Tarts:
Probably the most conventional of our suggestions, blueberry tarts are not hard to make. Just bake a sheet of pastry until it is golden brown. Take an egg and beat it with sugar. Pour it over the sheet and bake again. Once it cools, put a layer of cream over it and then add the blueberries and sprinkle them with granulated sugar. Yes, it is as easy as that!
Editor's note: At Pure Mart you can also buy dried blueberries online to get all the health benefits at a finger tip!
Which recipes did you try with these berries? Please do share your favorite ones with us!
