A New Year Resolution: Say Hello to Berry Nutrition

How many of us make resolutions to eat right and exercise, to keep weight under control or to get rid of the flab and keep failing? The idea is to keep it simple – take berries for instance. Due to high vitamin, antioxidant and fiber content, the colorful berries are called a pack of nutritional punch.

Bilberries, black currants, crowberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries and wild strawberries are rich in anti-oxidants. These are said to be good for health as they may overcome oxidative damage that could be caused by certain elements during metabolism process. Thus a dose of berry nutrition is a good rationale to indulge in these tiny juicy fruits also making up for a possible New Year resolution.

Cooking with Berries

Berries and the summer time complement each other quite well as strawberries, blueberries and blackberries taste are in season around this time. One of the simplest ways to eat them is to mix them with sugar and let them stay for an hour. This helps in taking out the juices and the flavor only stays. They are indeed versatile as they can be used in several ways to make new dishes. These can be cooked with corn, peaches, apricots, nectarines and eggplant, which are excellent summer-time picks for meals.

Are strawberries beneficial to health?

We all know how strawberries can be used to make delicious strawberry cakes. They should be bright red, fragrant and any white or green patches near the stemsmust be avoided. They are known to contain vitamin C and manganese. Due to the presence of phytonutrients, our body cells can be protected from getting damaged. Studies reveal that strawberries may reduce the risk of having cancer.

Worried about carbs? Strawberry muffins are low carb foodsimultaneously can ensuring yourberry nutrition. All you need is homemade whipped cream, vanilla, three to four strawberries and a sweetener for the taste, to make either a cake or muffins.

How do blackberries compare?

Just like strawberries, blackberries also possess manganese, vitamin c and vitamin k. Sugar-free jam can be made out of blackberries. Manyblackberry pie recipes are available online and are easy to make. Add the goodness of almonds with an almond crust, for which you just need the basics - an almond pie crust, four cups of blackberries, salt, water, cornstarch, butter, sugar for the taste, etc.

This New Year – try the zarzamora real – an interesting blackberry drink. Take 10 rosemary needles, 3 blackberries plus 1 for garnish, 2 ounces tequila, 1/2 ounces natural sour mix, ice and 2 ounces brut champagne or sparkling wine. Use a cocktail shaker to jumble the rosemary, berries, the sour mix, tequila and ice. Strain into a small champagne flute, well-chilled. Pour in your preferred drink. Garnish with a blackberry.

Berries - A delicious way to eat healthy, isn’t it?