Berries: food to stay young, healthy and beautiful
The youth, among other things, refers to beauty, health and strength. Being young is not necessarily associated with a particular biological age; one can be young as well at twenty to seventy years. Youth is a vibrant state of life. Actually old age, as we know, is not a state of decline, as the body is programmed to operate in the best conditions during all stages of life.
However, we have become accustomed and have accepted the idea that the body has to deteriorate as if it were an object, we believe that illness, weakness or fatigue and bad moods are something "normal" at old age, we forget that the body regenerates each time, cells move and are new at all stages of life, and although there are physiological changes in the body at every stage of life, the body should not arrive weak to the middle age, you can get in better health, strength and creativity as possible. And this certainly depends on us, all those little and big decisions we make in our lifetime.
Food and youth
One of those big decisions to stay healthy, strong and creative is certainly opting for a diet that provides the body with the highest quality of nutrients so that it can rebuild the best way possible. There are many truly remarkable food that help fight the deterioration and weakening of the body in general. These foods have the property of rejuvenating because they are rich in antioxidants, which are molecules that have the property to slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules, that is, help the body stay in the best possible state of wellness.
Antioxidants and berries
Antioxidants are contained in various foods such as: onions, garlic, brown rice, birdseed, cauliflower, ginger, parsley, carrots, alfalfa, citrus, tomatoes, grape seed, green tea, etc. However, berries are some of the foods richest in antioxidants.
What is a berry?
They are known as forest fruits (berries) which usually spring wildly from early summer to autumn in the woods (Strawberry, blackberry, cranberries, blueberries), etc. Most berries are small, juicy, pulpy, and a bright color.
The berries have different classifications and there are wide variety, among the most common we found: strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes (the grape is not a fruit of the forest but it is a berry), Goji Berries, cranberries, etc., But berries are also considered to guava, lemon, oranges, and even tomatoes and peppers. In any other category "far" of berries, we found the banana, cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon, melon, gooseberry, and blueberry.
Benefits and properties of berries
Besides being a delight for the palate, they are an extraordinary food. Berries help to keep young body not only providing antioxidants, but they contain other great benefits.
- They are rich in vitamin C (outperform most citrus).
- The berries exert antioxidant, which slow the aging process.
- High in potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and folic acid.
- Help regulate liver function.
- They are low in sodium and fat.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fight infections, flu, colds, etc..
- They are highly cleansing, help keep clean blood and guts.
- Prevent urinary tract infections.
- They help to fight skin problems like dermatitis, acne, blackheads, pimples, etc.
- They are rich in vitamins C and E, iron and potassium.
- Ideal to combat food allergies and to prevent and combat constipation (they are natural laxatives)
Featured Berries
In addition to including all the above properties, there are berries distinguished by having additional properties.
The cranberries: increase HDL (good cholesterol), and contribute minimizing gastrointestinal problems. Cranberry juice contains non-stick properties, which prevent the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, and other, adhering to the walls of the stomach. In addition, cranberries are good for brain function, help prevent memory loss and fight the deterioration of the nervous system.
Goji berries: known as the berries of longevity, are one of the berries with more nutritional properties, in addition to all the above properties, reduce fatigue and boost energy, protect the view, excellent for conditions of skin and prevent cardiovascular disease. They also help regulate blood pressure, fight cholesterol and help treat prostate problems, as they have Beta-sitosterol, that helps reduce inflammation and may improve even benign prostatic hyperplasia. And last but not least, help to balance glucose levels or blood sugar, making more effective the work of insulin in the body. Therefore, it is recommended in diets of people with diabetes and people with metabolic syndrome.
Raspberries: on the other hand, contain B vitamins, plus small amounts of potassium, iron, calcium, folate and magnesium. They are excellent laxative, the juice has diuretic properties. Raspberry tea is good to shrink gums, and raspberry leaf tea is a great remedy to prevent menstrual cramps, while fresh juice prevents muscle aches, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
The grape: is one of the best tonics, ideal to help heal patients suffering from rheumatic diseases like arthritis and gout, kidney problems, irritable bowel, circulatory system diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, cramps, poor circulation, etc., intestinal problems (clean intestines if you eat grapes without removing the skin), headaches caused by an over-intoxication, etc.
To find out more details of the berries, and combine them properly, how to buy and choose the best quality and delicious recipes, do not hesitate to buy the book Healthy Food for the Twenty-first Century, by Laura Kohan, Local-Global editorial. In this book you will also find valuable information about whole grains, seeds, nuts, etc.