Earn Your Berry Black Belt

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, but don’t want that Twinkie that’s full of a ton of calories, need a quick pick me up, or feeling just blah; berries may be just what the doctor ordered. Berries are great for a healthy eating lifestyle because they are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your body against inflammation and free radicals (molecules that damage cells and organs). They also have a low-calorie high-nutrient ratio, low glycemic index, provide energy, are loaded with fiber, assist with weight management, can be cancer preventive, provide a delicious & sweet alternative to junk food, and more.

WHAT’S A BERRY?

The most commonly known berries we eat are strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Or are they? Contrary to what most believe, none of these are actual berries, according to the botanical definition. The word “botanical” relates to botany; which is the study of plants. Technically, a true berry is a single fleshy ovary that grows into a fruit with no barrier in between the seed and the juicy portion that is eaten. Strawberries, raspberries, and black berries are compound fruits and blueberries are an epigynous fruit. In general terms (for us non-botanists), and for the sake of this article, berries are small, juicy, colorful, fleshy fruits.

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