SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 BERRIES, BERRIES , BERRIES

" Teachers are everywhere. And as we become ready for a new lesson, one will appear."

There is no age limit to learn. There is never the wrong moment for a new life lesson. Through the years we all have experienced life lessons. Some might have come easy, and some have been hard. Some life lessons didn't help the first time, so we had to re experience and reenact them again ( and sometimes again) I feel I am here on Earth Mother to learn more life lessons. I also feel I need to gain as much knowledge as I can. The mind is always active and stimulating the mind with new materials is engaging and exciting.

Be a student to life !

 

When most individuals think of berries--Blueberries, Raspberries and Strawberries come to mind. I can understand why. The benefits of those berries are vast. As Fall approaches and Thanksgiving is near, start to thinking of Cranberries and Elderberries. I feel Cranberries are under-utilized during the rest of the year, except at Thanksgiving.

Cranberries are best known for their use against urinary tract infections especially of the species E. coli. Cranberries are the fighters of oxidative stress. These berries have also been useful in fending off ulcers created by the bacterium, Helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori). I find Cranberries to be tart but they are very useful.

Elderberries have a natural anti-viral activity. There are studies to show that Elderberries have been found to block H1H2 (Influenza) and the ability of the virus to infect host cells. Not only did Elderberry have its effect against H1H2, but 8-10 other influenza species.

So after all this berry talk, who still doesn't like berries? There are the all important Raspberries, Strawberries and Cherries. We didn't talk a lot about these but here it goes:

Raspberries have been useful in protection against colon cancer cells. Then there are choke berries, which are supposed to have a higher ORAC valve than the Acai berry. Strawberry in vitro studies have shown activity against certain cancers, whereas Cherries have shown to reduce lipid abnormalities. If you cut a Strawberry in half, use the white side to whiten your teeth. It does work.

Cherries have also been useful in reducing sugar levels. Many of these studies are not human studies. More double blind studies need to be done. There is definitely no harm in ingesting berries into your diet. All berries have a low glycemic index and a high antioxidant potential.

So eat, eat and eat BERRIES.

To finish let us read what Buddha has to say...

"Health is the greatest gift, contentment, the greatest wealth, faithfulness, the best relationship."

Until tomorrow...