“Numerous studies have shown that a high intake of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Fruits and vegetables have many protective properties; they help lower blood pressure. They are high in dietary fiber. They are high in antioxidants which help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in LDL particles which helps prevent atherosclerosis.

Research on rats with advanced brain aging similar to Alzheimer’s disease showed marked brain function improvement when fed high intakes of berries for several weeks. They showed improved learning capacity (ability to solve a maze to find food which before berry feeding they could no longer solve) and evidence of new brain cell growth. The researchers concluded that eating plant foods high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, blackberries, cranberry, Concord grape juice, strawberries, and walnuts, reduces oxidative stress that occurs in aging.

Bottom line: If you want an easy way to improve your health, slow the aging process, improve brain function, and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, eat more berries and other highly colored fruits and vegetables daily.
They are low in calories, high in nutrients, good for your health, have no adverse side effects, and they taste delicious. Enjoy!” (Making Healthy Choices, Issue 46)