I have a friend who is obsessed with berries.  I don’t blame her.  After doing a little research on these power foods, I should probably be obsessed with them, too.  

Almost every type of berry is loaded with vitamins and minerals – so which ones should you eat?  Below is my personal list; I rated them on taste and healthiness (scale of 1-5).

 

1) Blueberries

Taste: 4
Health: 5
Total score = 9

One of the most antioxidant-rich foods in existence.  Another reason why they get a 5 rating for health:  they can reverse the effects of aging.  Do yourself a favor and throw these into your cereal every morning – you may live forever.

 

2) Cherries

Taste: 5
Health: 3.5
Total score = 8.5

Contains pigments that reduce pain and inflammation, high in antioxidants, and increases immune system function.  Solid 3-punch combo lands this berry the #2 spot.  Oh, and they’re delicious.

 

3) Raspberries

Taste: 4
Health: 4
Total score = 8

Rich in Vitamin C and a good source of fiber (hint: don’t eat too many unless the bathroom is your favorite room in the house).  I think they’re pretty tasty, too.

 

4) Blackberries

Taste: 3
Health: 4
Total score = 7

Good source of Vitamin E (helps fight infections).  Also contains salcylate which may lower your chance of heart disease.  Watch out for bears when picking them.

 

5) Strawberries

Taste: 4
Health: 2
Total score = 6

High in Vitamin C.  Also have omega-3 fatty acids.  Possibly the best berry you can throw in a smoothie.

That concludes my list.  Honorable mentions include acai and goji berries – both nutrient dense but hard to come by.

Now, for your homework:  go eat some berries.

 

 

“It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard… is what makes it great.”

- Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own

 

 

What separates the extraordinary from the ordinary?  The champion athletes from the casual players?  The are’s from the could-be’s?

The Hard. The Hard is simple to understand but nearly impossible to master.  The Hard isn’t sexy.  In fact, it gets little credit in our society.  We like things that are fast and flashy.  The Hard isn’t either of these.

The Hard is the behind-the-scenes effort of champions. It’s the blood and sweat they put into their training – every day.  It isn’t exciting and it sure doesn’t always feel good.  But the Hard is what puts trophies in your hands and gives you a sense of accomplishment that really nothing else can give you.

The Hard is what makes it great.

 

A special thanks to Chris Hanks at the University of Georgia for inspiring this post