Berry, berry good for you.

Publication: Food & Fitness Advisor

Bookmark this article Print this article Link to this article Email this article Digg It! Add to del.icio.us RSS

COPYRIGHT 2006 Belvoir Media Group, LLC

Summertime is the peak season for locally grown fresh berries. These small wonders pack huge benefits. For one thing, they are loaded with potent antioxidants, which combat cell damage from toxic oxygen molecules called free-radicals; studies show the plant chemicals in berries can help reduce risk factors for heart disease, cancer, and perhaps even Alzheimer's disease. According to tests of antioxidant power (called the Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity, or ORAC) conducted in 2004 at Tufts University, black raspberries have the highest antioxidant punch per serving, followed by wild blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries and red raspberries. Not to mention that berries are a good source of vitamins C, E, and A, as well as selenium, fiber, and calcium, and have only around 40 calories in a half-cup serving.

Chemoprevention in a basket

Plant chemicals and other nutrients found in berries may help prevent cancer at various stages...

Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.