A berry healthy diet

MANILA, Philippines - In the old days, the Scottish highlanders used the plants of the blackberry fruit to ward off evil spirits. The Scottish also used the roots of the blackberry plant to treat bronchitis, asthma, as well as burns and swellings. In Native American medicine, the blackberry root was used to treat coughs, colds, and tuberculosis as well as burns. Indeed, this healing fruit was present in many cultures for medicinal purposes. Why?

For one, berries are packed full of antioxidants, which means they counter free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are atoms with an odd number of electrons, which, once formed, can start a chain reaction, creating damage when they react with important cellular components such as DNA or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage, the body has a defense system of antioxidants, which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before the damage happens. Antioxidant-rich berries, thus, help to prevent damage to the body’s cell tissue, which contributes to aging, memory loss, and illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

In addition, blueberries, bilberries, and raspberries contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision. Raspberries are rich in anthocyanins and cancer-fighting phytochemicals; and one cup of strawberries contains over 100 mg. of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. Strawberries also add a bit of calcium, magnesium, folate, and potassium to the body. Luckily, whereas berries used to be procured only in the woods, today, we simply have to make a trip to the grocery store or the mall for a healthy dose of these healing nuggets. Here are some suggestions for tasty berry treats:

• Berry smoothie: At Mondo Juice, you can order a Berry Blitz smoothie, which is packed with 1/3 pounds of blueberries and blackberries (skin, seeds, and all), blended with cranberry juice and low-fat yogurt. Other berry-packed Mondo smoothies include Summer Strawberry (strawberries, peaches, apple juice, and cranberry juice); Raspberry Rush (raspberries, strawberries, cranberry juice, and low-fat yoghurt); and Sippin’ Strawberry (strawberries, mangoes, cranberry juice, nectar).

• Cereal: Add strawberry, banana and almond slices, raspberries and blueberries for a delicious, naturally sweet bowl of cereal.

• Berry salad: Have a salad made of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, walnuts, olive oil, raspberry vinegar, honey, salt and pepper, tossed with baby spinach leaves.

• Pancakes: Sprinkle your pancakes with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, and top them with maple syrup (or granulated sugar) and whipped cream.

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To try the healthy and exotic smoothies of Mondo Juice, including the Sippin’ Strawberry, Perfect Peach, and Raspberry Rush smoothies, visit its branches at Mega Mall, Mall of Asia, RCBC Plaza, and SM North Edsa.