Berries not only taste delicious in juices, but they’re loaded with many of the vitamins and nutrients we need to keep us trim, healthy, and full of energy.
But it’s their high levels of phytonutrients that make berries so special. These plant-based compounds protect cells from damage that could lead to disease. With each type of berry offering a different set of phytonutrients, you don’t need a better excuse to pack your juices with as many different berries as possible.
Blueberries
In addition to helping to fight against oxidative damage, blueberries are brimming with salicylate, a compound that fights inflammation. Look for berries that are organic, plump and have a slight greyish patina.
Cranberries
The best-known health benefit with cranberry juice is its ability to help with urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder.
However, store-bought cranberry juice is usually packed full of sugar or blended with other sweeter juices. So to unlock the full health benefits of cranberries it’s always best to juice them yourselves – just make sure you buy them fresh during the fall, and freeze a few extra bags for the rest of the year.
Many people still question whether or not cranberries really help prevent or treat UTIs, but research suggests that while store-bought blended cranberry ‘drinks’ won’t work, a sufficient quantity of fresh or concentrated cranberries do help reduce the risk of developing a UTI.
Goji Berries
Goji berries have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, and for good reason. This little berry is a powerful superfood, full of vitamins and antioxidants that can help improve eyesight and protect against heart disease. A study conducted in 1990s even suggested that cancer patients responded better to treatment when it was combined with regular intake of goji berries.
Finding fresh goji berries isn’t an easy feat, but luckily you can make a juice using the dried variety. Just place the berries in water and allow to soak for a few hours before juicing.
Cherries
Rich in potassium and B vitamins, sweet cherries come in a range of colours and all make great juices. Cherries are particularly great at reducing pain and inflammation, with a 2012 study showing that a glass twice a day can significantly improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Blackberries
Blackberries offer a huge range of nutrients, but are particularly rich in beta-carotene. However, they also provide sizeable amounts of calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and sodium, and even some iron. Quite a range!
Why Juice? – Boost Your Brain Power
Berries contain anthocyanins, a class of compound that can stave off dementia. Recent research has even found that drinking only two servings of strawberries or one serving of blueberries a week can massively improve your memory in the long term.
Weight Control
Due to their high fiber and liquid content, berries leave us feeling full and satisfied faster than other foods. This makes these nutrition powerhouses the perfect snack if you’re trying to manage your weight. Also, as they’re full of natural sweetness, served alongside nuts or sprinkled on top of coconut yogurt, they make an excellent healthy dessert.
Potentially Cancer Fighting
Packed with flavonoids and helpful compounds, there is growing evidence that berries such as blueberries and raspberries may reduce the risk of colon cancer. Although more research needs to be done, eaten together with plenty of different fruit and veg, there’s no doubt that berries can help your immune system fight off diseases such as cancer.
Slowdown Aging
Thanks to their high antioxidant count, berries such as blueberries can help counter the free radical damage that speeds up the ageing process.
In one study, researchers found that participants who consumed blueberry juice combined with apple juice for four weeks reduced their oxidative DNA damage by 20 percent.
Berry Inspiration
Delicious juices can be made from an endless combinations of berries, vegetables, herbs and all types of fruit, so get experimenting. That being said, there are some classic berry combinations that tick all the right nutritional boxes – and taste pretty amazing too.
Strawberries and blueberries pair beautifully together. Juice them alongside kale and raw beetroot for a drink that’s packed with antioxidants.
Try a combination of blackberries, raspberries, apple and cucumber for a refreshing juice bursting with vitamin K.
Cranberry juice is full of vitamins, but some people find it too strong to enjoy by itself. Instead try making your own sugar-free, super healthy cocktail with cranberries, blueberries, pear and plenty of purified water.
