Dylan's Lunchbox: Some Berry Interesting News

Dylan here, and I have 5 different types of berries and their specific healthful benefits for you to chow both your mind, and your teeth down on.

Who doesn’t love a plump bright red juicy strawberry? Or a box of fresh blueberries containing just the right amount of the tiny tart flavored ones, and just enough of the large juicy sweet kind. Berries are always a great snack. Each type of berry contains specific ingredients which help our bodies in several different ways.

Strawberries:

Strawberries are filled with antioxidants, potassium, fiber, and Vitamins B, C, and K.

Blueberries:

Blueberries, like Strawberries, are a huge carrier of antioxidants. Blueberries have been found to reduce the chance of developing diseases and promotes optimal health.

Acai Berries:

Often found in yogurt flavorings, Acai berries are extreme energy boosters. They were traditionally known only among the rainforests of the Amazon as the “energy-boosting powerfully-healing fruit.” These berries contain anthocyanins, a substance that helps the health of our hearts. Like Strawberries and Blueberries, Acai berries also contain antioxidants. I read that one acai berry holds ten times more antioxidants than grapes, and double the amount of antioxidants in blueberries.

Bilberries:

Bilberries are beneficial to the control of diabetes. I also found out that this berry, though not one of the more popular and well known, helps our eyes just like carrots. This berry is usually served as a supplement.

Goji Berries:

These berries are known to protect the liver from toxins. Goji Berries contain 18 amino acids, and 21 minerals. These berries grown only in Tibet and Nepal, where they have been used to fight a number of health conditions.

Of course, these aren’t the only five berries that have nutritional value out there.  And make sure to mix and match your favorite healthy tastes to find the perfect blend that matches with these berries.  Might I suggest a leafy green salad?  It’s surprising how sweetening just a few of these delicious berries can be.  For more helpful tips on how to eat healthy, and even more so, deliciously, check out my last Lunchbox on the metabolizing powers of green tea!

Photo: Getty Images