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How Super Berries Can Benefit Your Health

Of all the foods that have earned the esteemed superfood title, berries have proven themselves to be a top contender for the most nutritious. Superberries are credited with incredible health benefits due to their high concentrations of antioxidants, essential vitamins, and other important nutrients. Here are five superberries you may want to add to your diet for a healthier lifestyle.

Acai Berries

This darkly pigmented, antioxidant-rich fruit originates in the Brazilian Amazon region where it is lauded for its impressive nutritional content. Acai berries pack a healthy punch with 19 amino acids, a variety of healthy sterols, and anthocyanins which may offer anti-viral and anti-inflammatory benefits. Because the berries can spoil quickly, it’s best to buy acai freeze-dried or frozen.

Goji Berries

Also known as wolfberries, goji berries are native to China and Tibet and have been used for centuries to boost immune function and increase longevity. This bright red fruit is loaded with vitamins A and C, protein, carotenoids, and antioxidants which may help you lose weight, gain energy, and improve your cholesterol. Enjoy dried goji berries or powered goji added to a smoothie.

Camu Camu Berries

This superfruit, native to the Amazon rainforest, has a higher concentration of vitamin C than any other fruit on Earth. Camu camu berries also boast a powerful blend of amino acids, phytochemicals, and minerals which can be used to help treat gum diseases and viral infections such as herpes. Fresh camu camu berries have a strong tart flavor so they’re typically eaten as a powder or in pill form.

Maqui Berries

Maqui berries are a small, dark-purple fruit from South America, marketed as a superfood because they may help reduce cholesterol oxidation and hardening of the arteries. They are rich in healthy antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols which combat a wide variety of inflammatory diseases. Try maqui berry juice or adding the berry powder to your favorite beverage.

Mulberries

Mulberries are a deliciously sweet berry that were used in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years to combat a variety of health conditions. This nutrient-packed berry contains more phytoactive ingredients than blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries and outperforms blueberries with its impressive level of immune-boosting antioxidants. Snack on some fresh red mulberries which can be found in many southern states or add some dried berries to a trail mix.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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