Powerful Berries By Jodi M

First, let's take a closer look at berries and the benefits of each type (and color). Perhaps the most powerful of all are blueberries. They are high in antioxidants and flavanoids, which are known to prevent prostate cancer, urinary tract infections, and cataracts. They also protect against brain damage from strokes and heart disease.
Cranberries are best known for preventing urinary tract infections but they can also protect against breast cancer, stomach ulcers, and high cholesterol.
Strawberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. They are known to prevent heart disease and keep you from catching a cold. One cup of strawberries contains over 100 mg of vitamin C, almost as much as a cup of orange juice. We need vitamin C for immune system health and for strong connective tissue. Strawberries also add a bit of calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium and only 53 calories.
Raspberries are known to fight cancer thanks to their rich supply of phytochemicals and vitamins and minerals.
The pigments that give berries their beautiful blue and red hues are also good for your health. Berries contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help to prevent some forms of cancer. Eating a diet rich in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries may help to reduce your risk of several types of cancers. Blueberries and raspberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision.

Color in foods such as carrots, green vegetables, and fruits is produced by unique "phytochemicals", which have been found to be beneficial in fighting a number of different diseases and provide a great source of antioxidants.
Tomatoes are red because they contain Lycopene. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant from the carotenoid family. This antioxidant protects DNA from mutating, which may have cancer-fighting potential. Carrots and other orange foods contain carotenes, which are converted to Vitamin A in the body, providing needed protection to skin and eye sight. Yellow foods such as squash contain Lutein and quercitin which can help improve vision as well as provide anti-inflammatory support. All of these foods are great immune boosters.

Although multivitamins are good for you, they can also have harmful side effects on your body- and your wallet.
However, plants provide all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, but unlike man-made pharmaceuticals, they produce no negative side effects. To obtain all the nutrients you need in a natural way, look at the colors of the foods you're eating. In Asian countries, chefs will add ingredients to their dishes for no other reason but to add color. Although they do it to make the food look beautiful, following this trend is a great way to ensure that you have a healthy balanced diet. If you tend to be eating a lot of brown hamburgers, white and tan pizzas, white quesadillas, etc. you may need a natural immune boosting drink to supplement your nutrients. However, If your diet includes a little bit of orange (like that from squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes), a little bit of green (like that from spinach and cucumbers) and a little bit of blue and red (from assorted berries), you'll get all the nutrients you need!