Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, strawberry trees, etc. are some of the red fruits that are within our reach, offering us a delicious flavor and endless beneficial properties for the body. Therefore, including them in a balanced diet is a simple way to take in essential nutrients, which are a source of health and youth. In addition, you should also know that spring and autumn are the two ideal times of the year to consume red fruits, since they are at their best.
Properties of red fruits
Although each red fruit has a specific composition, in general, they share common characteristics that have led them to be considered a group of foods that are especially beneficial for health. These are the main properties:
- The antioxidant properties that give them nutrients such as vitamins C and E stand out, along with flavonoids and polyphenols, such as isoflavones and anthocyanins, which are mainly responsible for the reddish and bluish tones of these foods.
- Are you wondering if red fruits are diuretics? The answer is yes, they have a high content of water and soluble fiber, two elements responsible for their diuretic properties and their ability to promote intestinal transit, also limiting fat absorption. On the other hand, its fiber provides a great satiating capacity.
- The presence of group B vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus or magnesium, which are especially important for the proper functioning of nerve connections and brain processes, is considered to confer neuroprotective properties .
- The specific nutrients in red fruits help keep the immune system in good condition and some, especially raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, are powerful natural anti- inflammatories that also have antibacterial properties.
All these properties are responsible for the multiple benefits of red fruits, which have led them to even be considered functional foods, which not only provide nutrients, but also perform various functions when it comes to caring for the body . Also, below we explain the main benefits:
They slow down oxidative damage and aging at the cellular level
Eating red fruits regularly is an excellent way to take care of ourselves inside and out, because their antioxidant properties make them powerful allies when it comes to stopping the action of free radicals , responsible for the deterioration of the body at the cellular level. They are allies of beauty , since they contribute to the good condition of the skin, maintaining good hydration and minimizing the appearance of premature wrinkles. Here you can read more about the properties of red fruits for the skin.
Help maintain proper weight
The fruits of the forest are foods with a high water content and with a minimum presence of carbohydrates. In addition, their fiber promotes proper intestinal transit , making them true “detox” foods, which not only help purify the body, but are also excellent allies when the goal is to maintain a healthy weight or lose extra kilos. Here you can read more about How to make red fruit tea to lose weight .
Allies of cardiovascular health
This is one of the great benefits of frozen or unthawed red fruits, since their intake, thanks to the fiber they provide, slows the absorption of fats , including bad cholesterol, directly related to the obstruction of the arteries and the cardiovascular pathologies. Therefore, including these fruits in the diet is a simple remedy to reduce excessively high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Prevent and alleviate inflammatory diseases
Red fruits, especially those rich in anthocyanins such as blueberries and cherries, are effective in preventing or improving inflammatory diseases , such as arthritis or intestinal inflammation, reducing pain and swelling.
Prevent urinary tract infections
The purifying action that characterizes the set of red fruits favors, through the urine, the expulsion of fats and toxins from the body . In addition, its antibacterial properties could be of great help in preventing urinary tract infections , especially when these are recurrent. They are also effective in reducing common associated discomforts, such as itching or stinging. You should know that red fruit infusion or red fruit tea are highly recommended for this type of discomfort.
They keep the brain active
Although studies on the benefits of red fruits for the proper functioning of the brain continue, many explain that these foods are a cocktail of antioxidant vitamins , together with essential minerals and pigments such as anthocyanin, elements necessary to maintain cognitive functions. It is believed that the fruits of the forest could favor concentration and memory.
Effective against colds
We must remember that red fruits are a natural source of vitamin C , important to strengthen the immune system and, especially, necessary to prevent and neutralize common viral conditions , such as colds, flu and colds. On the other hand, you should also keep in mind that everything in excess is not good, therefore, eating red fruits every day is not recommended.
