The Value of a Berry

Berries, it turns out are not really an exact classification - the botany gets complicated. Some such as raspberries are really clusters of fruit. Others such as cranberries are called false berries because they do not form from a flower.

But we all know the common meaning - small fruits without pits or stones. Here, small is beautiful!

Berries are really super foods. They are so full of vitamins and antioxidants they really deserve to be included in everyone’s diets. Often the wild species out-do the cultivars - they are richer in antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals. (Phytochemicals are plant chemicals with therapeutic uses.)

Some berries have a crucial role in fighting disease. For example, research shows that blueberries are potent anti-cancer agents. Cranberries are now well known for their ability to reduce inflammation and help urinary tract infections.

Anthocyanins are found in many reddish coloured fruits and berries in particular. They have been shown to benefit people suffering from cancer, diabetes, ageing and bacterial infections and inflammation. Some neurological conditions can also be helped. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid (or bioflavonoid). The distinctive red colour is common to many fruits and berries.

It is now thought that the cleansing and immune system properties helped by bioflavonoids may be caused by the body’s purging of them rather than the bioflavonoids themselves. (See the Linus Pauling Institute for more on this.)

Whatever the details of the truth, it is clear that berries are rich superfoods which we ignore at out peril! They are also good for the environment of course, as birds and many mammals thrive on them too. Organic production methods are generally best, both from the perspective

Source: http://www.greenfootsteps.com/all-types-of-fruit.html