Eat Better with Berries

eat better with

Berries!

by Katy Budge

Eating colorful foods offers an easy path to good nutrition. One way to “eat your rainbow” is by enjoying all the wonderful summertime berries.

As a group, berries are high in fiber, low in calories, and pack a punch when it comes to antioxidants. When it comes to specifics, you can look to blueberries to help heart and brain function, strawberries to boost immunity, and raspberries for a big dose of Vitamin C. Goji berries are purported to prevent liver damage and ward off depression, while acai berries are touted as a superfood for everything from arthritis to weight loss. It’s highly recommended that you wash all fresh berries before consuming them. But wait until you’re ready to eat them. The additional surface moisture tends to lessen shelf life, so keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you use them. Berries have the added benefit of being extremely versatile. The most obvious uses – besides just popping them in your mouth – are in smoothies and baked goods, but have some fun thinking outside the recipe box as well. Try a blueberrybased barbeque sauce on pork ribs, or a spinach/strawberry salad with blue cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette, or a refreshing raspberry lemonade. That raspberry lemonade could be easily steered into cocktail hour, if you’re so inclined, and other berries could join you there as well. Strawberries and blueberries work wonderfully in sangria, and frozen grapes are a fun addition to any kind of summertime drink!