The Benefits of Berries

One of my favorite memories is of my little girl, with her stained little fingers, picking blackberries from our local farm. She was about four, and it was her first time. With a huge smile on her face and flecks from the berries she wasn’t supposed to taste yet on her chin, she was determined to fill her basket (first, before her brother). It was hilarious, and kind of awesome to weave through the plants with her as she picked and chose her favorites.

Berry season is in full swing, and we’re heading back out to our favorite farm to pick our pints this weekend. I’m not sure who’s more excited—the kids or Nutrisystem. Nothing beats the sweet deliciousness of ripe blackberries, raspberries and blueberries this time of year. And not only do they taste good, there are lots of health benefits of berries.

These little powerhouse fruits are packed with anthocyanins, a type of plant-based compound that gives them their pop of color and has been linked to a reduced risk of heart attack, as well as shown to help keep your brain sharp as you age. They are also a good source of vitamin C and cancer-fighting antioxidants. And for your waist, they’re fantastic: berries are packed with fiber, helping you feel full on few calories.

No pick-your-own farm near you? Check out your farmer’s market, or a supermarket that offers a local produce section. Berries are a perfect topper for your pancakes or waffles, yogurt or ice cream, tossed into a salad or baked into a healthy muffin. Nutrisystem has no patience, and palms her berries by the handful—plain and simple.