For the longest time, I didn’t like berries of any kind especially strawberries. I’m still not a fan of that particular red berry, but I have tried to find ways to incorporate a variety of other berries into my diet. Why? Because these small fruits can have a big impact on your health. Below are 5 reasons to eat more berries:- Berries can provide a variety of nutrients and benefits such as fiber, antioxidants, Vitamin C, potassium, phytofavinoids, folic acids…shall I go on?! You should eat more berries because they’re practically a superfood that is easy to add to your diet; be it standalone, in your smoothies and on the go.
- Berries are the kind of fruit that’s sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth yet has plenty of fiber to balance it out. Because of this, berries don’t negatively impact your blood sugar level. So eat more berries to not only satisfy your sweet tooth but to help prevent spikes in your blood sugar as well. Blueberries and blackberries are really good options for this.
- Some berries are really good at warding off sickness. Elderberries should be a go-to during cold and flu season. Cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries help with inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
- As mentioned above, berries are high in fiber which keeps you satiated, plus they’re low in calories and fat. All that coupled together make berries a great option to add to your diet when you’re trying to lose weight. When you need a bit of sugar in your yogurt, oatmeal or smoothie, add strawberries or raspberries instead. Need to switch up your salad, add some blueberries. Need a simple snack, try berries and nuts. There are so many possibilities to easily get berries into your diet. Whatever you’re doing to lose weight, you should most definitely eat more berries as a part of your weight loss strategy.
- Depending on the berry, you can fight disease and more; cancer, Alzheimer’s UTI, Parkinson’s, inflammation, heart disease, you name it. From blackberries to boysenberries to cranberries to goji and acai and currant berries, the types of berries are seemingly endless. Incorporating a variety of berries into your diet comes with a slew of amazing health benefits. So eat more berries and do so often.
Now that you’re all pumped up to eat more berries, give the blackberry smoothie bowl below a try. I’m a huge fan of it because it’s not just delicious but nutritious too. Plus, it’s so perfect for summer which is practically here already. You can even add the berries frozen to make the recipe cold and creamy or play around with different fruits of your choosing.
Ingredients:
1 Banana, diced
1 Cup frozen blackberries
1/2 cup milk of choice. Coconut milk is a delicious option but cow’s milk also works great.
1 Tbsp peanut butter or coconut oil (optional)
3 Tbsp oats
Pinch of cinnamon
Toppings:
Banana
Blackberries
Oats
Peanuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds
Directions:
Add the ingredients to the glass of a blender. Pulse for 1 minute or until you have a thick, creamy smoothie. If you want it to be more liquid, add 2 tbsp more of milk. Serve into a bowl and decorate with the toppings of choice; banana, blackberries, oats, nuts. etc.
Feel free to serve this in a bowl like shown here. But, if you’re busy and need a quick healthy breakfast, take it to go in a mason. It can also be stored in an airtight container overnight!
And a great way to use all the summer berries!
This smoothie bowl looks delicious. I love making smoothie bowls at home and making sure I add berries to the mix.
This looks delicious and super easy to make! Love the benefits too.
I looooove berries! I’ve always been a fan of fruit, but berries are easily my favourite kind. When Summer comes around I buy blueberries and raspberries by the bucket 😂 They’re just so delicious! I knew they were good for you, but I didn’t know they were good at fighting things like common colds and disease. That makes me feel even better for eating so many of them 😋
mmm yess! loveee berries! especially blackberries!! Will have to make this!
I love eating berries but they can be lots of money here in Japan (as fruit is priced more). But, wheneverr I find fruit in the discount bin, I will buy it!
Berries are SO full of healing properties. I eat them every day. Love fruit smoothies too. I’m excited to try your blackberry one.