Health Benefits of Berries
It is generally accepted
that people who consume a diet high in fruit and vegetables have a lower risk of
developing heart disease or cancer. There are many compounds found in plant
based foods which may help to confer protection against these diseases, for
example vitamins, minerals, fibre and phenolic compounds.
Innumerable types of berries grow in the temperate and northern regions of
the world. Delicate berries would shrivel under the heat of a tropical
sun, but they thrive in the cooler Scottish summers. Long daylight hours
ensure they have plenty of time to ripen and develop a full flavour . The
main berry growing areas in Scotland are in Tayside and Fife but other areas
include Grampian, the Highlands, Arran, Ayrshire and the Borders.
Berries contain high levels of compounds which are thought to be protective
against disease. They fit in well with the requirements of a healthy diet
because they have a low fat content, low levels of sodium and are high in
vitamins, minerals and various phenolic compounds. Research has shown that
many types of berries consistently contain some of the highest antioxidant
levels of any fruit.
Levels of consumption of soft
fruits in Scotland
Soft fruit consumption
patterns in the UK
To find out more about the different types
of berries available, click
here
