Love Summer, Love Berries

Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries….any kind of berry, I love them all !

It is the sign of summer arriving. I remember picking blackberries from the bushes around my parents’ home in the summer; memories of a free and happy childhood. My sister and I used to go return home with a bunch of berries and share them with my parents. Eating them fresh; that’s the best! It was an amazing feeling.

Berries are great sources of fiber, a nutrient important for a healthy digestive system.

These summer’s sun-kissed little fruits have big health benefits in small packages. Best when there are in season; most berries are in June & July.

They are good for your heart and your bones as well. These fruits are linked with lower risks of cancer, heart disease, and inflammation, and other properties and benefits:

• Berries are loaded with Antioxidants (include vitamins A, C and E) protecting cells from damage.

• Resveratrol. This is found in grapes and some other berries, as well as in red wine and dark chocolate. It may help lower inflammation, prevent clogged arteries, and offer cancer protection.

• Flavonoids. These nutrients give berries their brilliant colors and may help protect against cancer, inflammation, and heart disease

• Berries Are Nutritional Powerhouses

• Large Amounts May Prevent or Reverse Physical and Mental Decline. A recent study suggests it may be good for people with Alzheimer’s.

• Berries Have Powerful Cardioprotective Properties

• Berries Have Special Benefits for Athletes (A controlled study done on endurance athletes suggested that daily blueberry consumption significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation compared to a control group.)

It is pretty obvious we can benefit from adding a ton of berries to our diets, and the nice thing is they’re not a difficult food to eat. We can add more berries on top of our morning oatmeal or add frozen berries to our overnight oatmeal. We can also add them into a post-workout or morning smoothie.

However you choose to do it, make it a point to eat loads of berries every day.

This is one of my everyday breakfast smoothie recipes. So easy to make!

Berry Breakfast Smoothie

1 Banana

1 mug of Almond or Coconut milk (250 ml)

½ mug of frozen berries

1 Kiwi

¼ mug of oats

1 Medjool date (pitted)

1 full teaspoon of peanut butter

Optional: add a tablespoon of dairy free yogurt for a thicker consistency or add some delicious vegan protein by @arbonne my favourite

Tip: leave frozen berries out of the freezer overnight for defrosting

Method: Place everything in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Enjoy your smoothie !

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