6 Healthiest Berries for Women’s Hearts
Berries to the rescue!
These colorful fruits are high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help fight chronic disease and cancer. And their health benefits just keep getting sweeter!
A recent study in the journal Circulation suggests that sprinkling just a few more blueberries in your yogurt or blending strawberries into your morning smoothie may help reduce heart attack risk.
Here are the top 6 berries for women's health.
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Blackberries
These tasty berries are rich in polyphenols, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
They contain high amounts of fiber compared to other types of fruit: One cup has about 7 grams of fiber. (The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 to 35 grams.)
What's more, they're rich in vitamin C and contain a bit of iron, calcium, and vitamin A, too.
Bake them in a pie, spread them in a jam on whole-grain toast, or just eat them by the handful!
Try this recipe: Blueberry-Blackberry Shortcakes
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Blueberries
Eating blueberries may help your memory, and they have high levels of compounds that help widen arteries, which helps blood to flow smoothly.
Rich in antioxidants, blueberries are also low fat, free of saturated fat, and a good source of fiber and vitamin C. No wonder they're linked to a lower risk of heart attack!
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Strawberries
Strawberries are heart-healthy and packed with vitamin C. They are also an excellent source of folate, which is a nutrient that's suspected (but not proven) to help protect your heart.
Like blueberries, they contain compounds that help widen the arteries, which may prevent plaque buildup.
Another benefit? They whiten your teeth naturally!
Watch the video: How to Make Dark-Chocolate Covered Strawberries
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Raspberries
Raspberries are low in fat and have high levels of polyphenols, which help reduce heart disease risk. Try to sneak these into your diet whenever you can!
Try this recipe: Raspberries with Chocolate Yogurt Mousse
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Acai berries
The berries are a good source of fiber, but are tart. Mixing them in smoothies, oatmeal, and yogurt helps temper the bitterness.
Try this recipe: Sunrise Smoothie Parfait
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Cranberries
Among other benefits, cranberries may increase HDL, or good cholesterol, and may also help prevent urinary tract infections, so they are a win-win!
Try this recipe: Rustic Cranberry Tart