If you’re looking for another healthy snack to get you through a long day, there’s good reason to consider adding berries—other than that they taste so good.
A gut health expert, Mahmoud Ghannoum, Ph.D., says berries are a favorite for their polyphenol content. Research suggests that berries play a role in metabolism, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and even cancer.
While treats like wine and chocolate can technically be sources of polyphenols, Ghannoum encourages us to go the slightly less indulgent route when looking for ways to tap into this group of antioxidants. “A lot of the polyphenols come from some berries”, which are better sources of polyphenols than others—but luckily, some of the best sources are the common ones: Blueberries, currants, blackberries, elderberries, raspberries, strawberries and grapes.
One of the best things about berries is how amazing they are on their own, but if you want to try adding them to meals as more than just a snack, we’d recommend blending them into a smoothie, or for berry chia pudding.
(Credit to Eliza Sullivan)
