The Type Of Berry All Women Should Have In Their Diet

When it comes to nutrition, berries are some of the most powerful foods out there, and women have much to benefit from them. Take for instance strawberries, which contain anthocyanidins, which help delay cognitive decline, according to research published in the Annals of Neurology. Raspberries contain polyphenols, compounds that may help reduce damage done by oxidative stress, per Advances in Nutrition. Eating berries could help lower low density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) and blood pressure, per Scientific Reports, and reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease (via Academy of Neurology).

In addition, berries deliver antioxidants, which might help fight against certain types of cancer, according to a 2016 report published in the journal Antioxidants. Berries are also good sources of fiber, and that is good news for your gut. Findings published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that cranberries provide beneficial bacteria to our intestines, can help fight against intestinal inflammation, and provide benefits for urinary tract health. 

While all berries are good, the one that stands out from the others when it comes to women's health is blueberries. A small study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that blueberries improved muscle repair in women under 40. That being said, older women can see benefits from eating them as well. ​​Experts studied postmenopausal women with high blood pressure for eight weeks and found that consuming blueberries could not only lower their numbers, but also reduce arterial stiffness, per the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. An earlier study published by the National Library of Science showed that eating blueberries could help prevent hypertension in women under the age of 60. 

Blueberries are also a good source of manganese and vitamins C and K, according to Healthline. So, go ahead and add a helping of blueberries to your next meal, knowing that you're doing your body some good.