Nutrition

How Your Body May Benefit From Berries

This summer is a perfect time to stock up on strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and/or blackberries. Whether you’re eating them fresh out of the carton, adding a handful on top of your yogurt or using them as an ingredient in your salad, berries are a sweet treat that not only tastes delicious, but may also help improve your health.

Healthline¹ shares a few reasons why you should add some berries to your diet:

Lower your blood sugar and insulin levels: Both people who are healthy and those with insulin resistance may benefit from berries. According to Healthline², a study suggested that berries can protect your body’s cells from high blood sugar levels. Berries may also reduce blood sugar and improve the insulin response to carb-heavy meals.
Feel full longer: Because berries are full of fiber, they may help you feel full for longer. Fiber can help you decrease your calorie intake and make it easier to manage your weight.
Lower cholesterol levels: Healthline³ reports that a study showed black raspberries and strawberries may lower cholesterol for people who are obese or have metabolic syndrome.

Drink Up: Raspberry-Vanilla Smoothie

Cool off this summer with a refreshing smoothie from the Food Network⁴.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup apple juice or cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes.

Pour the cooled syrup into a blender. Add the yogurt, raspberries, apple juice, vanilla, and ice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and thick.

Pour into glasses and serve.