If you’re living a Beyond Keto lifestyle, you may miss eating fruit. But, you don’t have to. Some fruit can be added to keto eating. Fruit can offer amazing nutrients and a delicious, satisfying, naturally sweet taste. In fact, if you miss fruit on keto, eat this:
Berries.
Here are 5 reasons to add berries as fruit on keto.
5 Reasons to Add Berries as Fruit on Keto
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?
Berries do contain carbohydrates and natural sugars, but not as much as most fruits. They contain approximately 3-4 grams net carbs per 1/4 cup. Cranberries contain about 1/2 this.
Here’s a run-down of reasons to add berries as fruit on keto:
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. Preventing Cell Overgrowth
The compounds in vibrant fruits and vegetables are anti-cell overgrowth. 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 work against 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 healthy compounds in strawberries is ellagic acid and ellagitannins, types of anthocyanins.
4. Fiber for Healthy Digestion
As we stated over and over, Beyond 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. You can also get amazing fiber in Keto Zone Fiber Zone.
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.
Get Even More with Organic Red Supremefood as your Fruit on Keto
One concern you may have, if you’re in Beyond Keto, 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 Beyond Keto.
Thankfully, one serving of Divine Health Red Supremefood has only 4 grams of net carbs. This amazing organic fruit powder contains healthful beet and berry nutrients. It’s an amazing tool for healthy eating with Beyond Keto!