Cooking with Berries

Berries are nutritional powerhouses in a tiny delicious package. To enjoy the benefits associated with berries, there are plenty of recipes to consider the next time you're looking to cook healthy. Whether you are cooking up a cobbler for dessert or combining an assortment of berries to blend in a smoothie, you will encounter a wealth of possibilities. Below you will find a few suggestions to spark your creativity:

Blueberries - The blueberry is considered one of the healthiest of all fruits because of its antioxidants. With anti-inflammatory characteristics, blueberries fight cancer. They are also known to reduce cell damage and work against the aging process. Additionally, the berry is known to lower cholesterol and combat heart disease. Adding blueberries to your pancake or muffin mix helps your body deal with the carbohydrates without an insulin spike. Blueberries are also delicious in juices.

Cherries - Cherries contain components that battle against cancer, arthritis pain, gout, and migraines. The melatonin in them can help you sleep, and you'll surely benefit from the high levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium. There are two basic varieties of cherries to consider: sweet and sour. The smaller and brighter varieties of sour cherries are usually added to pies, sauces, and other baked goods.

Strawberries - Using strawberries in your recipes aid in protecting the heart, fighting cancer cells, and lessening the effects of inflamed tissue, joints, and muscles. The strawberry contains an ample amount of vitamins C and K, manganese, fiber potassium, folate, riboflavin, and vitamin B5. A great way to prepare strawberries is to include them in salads, breakfast smoothies and desserts. 

Bilberry - The bilberry is the European version of blueberries and is known to protect the eyes and increase overall vision power. This berry first discovered as a wonder in the medical world during World War II when the British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots found that their night vision improved as a result of eating bilberries. The bilberry also works to improve blood flow and circulation. A nice way to explore this berry is to create a variety of pies, tarts, and muffins.

Additional berries to consider when embracing the healthy properties of this delightful fruit include blackberries (with antioxidants, vitamins C and E), elderberries (fights colds and flu); lingonberries which are commonly eaten in Scandinavia (they make wonderful sauces, jams, jellies, juice and wine), cranberries (great in pies, muffins and cakes), raspberries (filled with antioxidants and great in desserts, salads, cereals, sauces, and jams), and mulberries (treats weakness, kidney concerns, anemia, and fatigue).