“Eating berries is not a hard nutritional goal to follow. And doing so may help you prevent a heart attack. A scientific report from Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study, including over 93,000 women, showed that those women who frequently ate blueberries and strawberries (3 times a week or more) had a third fewer heart attacks during the 18 years of follow-up, compared to those eating berries less often.
The researchers speculate that one of the protective aspects of berries is their high level of a flavonoid called anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant. Berries are also low in calories, high in vitamin C (another antioxidant), and best of all are fun to eat. It’s not always the case that the foods best for your health also taste great. The bottom line: If you want an easy and fun way to decrease your risk of heart disease, eat more berries, especially strawberries and blueberries. Other studies have found berries good for brain health, for lowering blood pressure, and are good for a low-calorie eating plan. Enjoy fresh berries often.” (MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES, ISSUE 78, June 2013)