Some great nutrients are found outside of typical Keto foods. In fact, there are potent nutrients in vibrantly colored fruits that many Keto eaters miss in order to keep carb counts low. With Keto Zone Shakes, this is no longer an issue, nor an either-or choice. You can get all those nutrients and stay in ketosis. Here’s how, and 5 reasons we’ve chosen to add berries to Keto Zone Shakes.
5 Reasons to Add Berries to Keto Zone Shakes
Berries are special foods. They’ve long been known as superfoods for their antioxidants, polyphenols, and phytochemicals. But, did you know they are functional foods that impact everyday health in tangible ways? Here’s a run-down:
1. Anthocyanins for Brain Health
For years investigators have believed that anthocyanins impart a beneficial effect on health and endothelial function.
These compounds have strong antioxidant properties and are responsible for the color of red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables. Fruits like blueberries, strawberries cranberries, and more.
Blueberries and strawberries are full of anthocyanins. Strawberries contain 25 different types. What’s more, both berries contain other healthful compounds including other polyphenols, vitamins, and fiber.
Whether it’s due to the anthocyanins specifically, or a combo of whole-food nutrients, researchers have found cognitive improvements and brain health benefits with blueberry consumption (1).
2. Reduced Blood Pressure and Improved Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD)
Blood pressure is a big deal. Healthy blood pressure levels are one key to maintaining whole-body health.
New investigations show that blueberries may effectively improve blood pressure in those with high blood pressure.
The conclusions?
Based on the studies, systolic blood pressure dropped an average of 5.6 mg Hg in 28 days. Diastolic blood pressure did not statistically change. Flow-mediated dilation increased by 2.3%. Incredibly every increase of 1.0% FMD equates with a 10% drop in cardiovascular disease risk. The 2.3% drop, then, reduces risk by over 20% (2, 3).
In conclusion, just 2/3 cup daily blueberries or 150 mg anthocyanins and 2 weeks were needed to lower blood pressure and improve FMD.
3. Cancer Prevention
The compounds in vibrant fruits and vegetables are anti-cancer. Even when eating in the Keto Zone, it’s important to look for ways to add them.
Many studies suggest that berries, in particular, may help prevent several types of cancer by fighting oxidative stress and inflammation with antioxidants (4 5).
Strawberries may be tumor inhibitors as shown in animal studies (6). The most potent anti-cancer compound in strawberries is ellagic acid and ellagitannins, types of anthocyanins.
4. Fiber for Healthy Digestion
As we stated over and over, Keto Zone eating can and should be, full of fiber. In fact, the more you omit refined grains and replace them with nuts, seeds, vegetables, and berries (or berry powder), the more fiber you’ll get
Berries offer soluble and insoluble fiber. This type of fiber is great for cholesterol, digestion, healthy blood sugars, and more.
5. Improved Cholesterol and Heart Health
Got high cholesterol? Your first mode of action is weight loss using Keto Zone if needed.
Then, it’s important to add cholesterol-lowering functional foods such as fish, vegetables, nuts, and berries.
Can You Really Add Berries To Keto?
One concern you may have, if you’re in the Keto Zone, is that berries contain too much fructose and carbs. You may wonder if they will increase blood sugars, insulin, and kick you out of ketosis.
Surprisingly, berries are known to be low-glycemic. What’s more, strawberries have a glucose-lowering and digestion-slowing effect. After a carb-rich meal, strawberries actually lower blood glucose compared to a carb-rich meal without strawberries (10, 11).
Still, grams of carbs matter in the Keto Zone.
Thankfully, one serving of the Keto Zone Shake, complete with blueberries and strawberries, and all their benefits, only contains 4 grams of net carbs. It maintains macronutrient make-up of 73% fat, 14% protein, and 11% carbs. You can add berries to Keto Zone!
