Archive for May, 2011

 Now is the season for BERRIES! Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, gooseberries…the list goes on…

Berries are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Also known as “natures candy” these tasty fruits and plentiful, versatile, and oh so delicious. Below are a few of the famous berries and their nutritional resume.

Blueberries- This tiny blue fruit is loaded with Vitamin C, E, and fiber. Time after time, blueberries top the charts as one of the most powerful foods for phytochemicals and antioxidants…compounds that fight off free radicals and prevent aging. Blue berries are easy to pick, and can be used in muffins, waffles, pancakes, smoothies, and eaten fresh or frozen.

Raspberries- Raspberries are a tender and elegant berry with a bright red hue. This fruit contains almost a day’s worth of Manganese in 1 cup. This berry also boasts of a wide variety of B vitamins such as Folate, B2, B3, and Vitamin C.  Raspberries contain anthocyanins, which contain a bit of antimicrobial properties. These anthocyanins have the ability to help prevent overgrowth of certain bacteria and fungi. One example of this includes the yeast candida albicans, a bacteria that has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome and yeast infections.

Strawberries- This red heart shaped fruit is the perfect treat for your heart. This prominent Missouri berry is packed with two flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol. Studies have shown that these flavoniods do your heart a favor by keeping the bad cholesterol (LDL) from damaging artery walls. One cup of strawberries also contains a whopping 140% of your DV for Vitamin C. These berries are great for jams, smoothies, pie, and salads.

Blackberries- Frozen, canned, or straight off the vine, blackberries are good for more than turning your mouth purple. Blackberries rank among the top of the charts for fiber content. They also contain high levels of ellagic acid and tannins which have been shown to decrease the risk of certain cancers, and reverse some effects of aging.

Congratulations to Sterling Wellness Solutions for becoming the first recognized “Babies in the Workplace” company in Louisiana. Sterling has created a baby friendly environment for new mothers wanting to bring their infant to work by providing a safe and nuturing space for feedings, diaper changes, and privacy. To see a complete list of Baby-Friendly workplaces across the country, click here.