Why Are Berries a Good Fruit to Keep in the Freezer?

By Jessica Ott | August 5, 2020 |

Berries are one of the easiest fruits to freeze. They’re also great when it comes to a nutritional boost. To freeze berries, wash them in cool water, gently dry them on towels, and move them to baking sheets. Place the baking sheets in the freezer and allow the berries to freeze.

After they’re frozen, move them into small freezer bags. Frozen berries can be added to oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, and salads. You can use them as ice cubes to add a bit of flavor to water or seltzer. Frozen berries are also a fantastic addition to any breakfast smoothie.

Elder Care Littlestown PA – Why Are Berries a Good Fruit to Keep in the Freezer?

Berries Are High in Antioxidants

Antioxidant levels are one reason you should keep berries in your parents’ refrigerator. Berries are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C content depends on the berries.

Here are a few examples (based on a one-cup serving):

Blackberries – 30.2 mg (50 percent of the daily value)
Black Currants – 203 mg (338 percent)
Blueberries – 14.4 mg (24 percent)
Red Currants – 45.9 mg (77 percent)
Red Raspberries – 32.2 mg (54 percent)
Strawberries – 89.4 mg (149 percent)

Vitamin C is known to help give the immune system a boost. It’s also beneficial when it comes to helping with collagen production, healing cuts and scratches, and helping the body properly absorb iron.

Berries Are High in Fiber

Fiber is important at maintaining water levels in waste as it passes through the intestines and bowels. Not only is fiber one way to prevent constipation, but it also lowers the risk of certain cancers. Colorectal cancer is one of them. Some berries are high in fiber.

A cup of raw cranberries contains 20 percent of the recommended daily value of fiber. Gooseberries contain 26 percent. Blackberries and red raspberries are even higher at 31 and 32 percent.

Berries Offer Many Antioxidants

Anthocyanins and resveratrol are two of the powerful antioxidants found in berries. These antioxidants help protect the cells from free radicals, which are a cause of oxidative stress. Why does this matter?

Oxidative stress impacts cell health. If oxidative stress continues to harm cells, it leads to tissue damage. Some chronic health conditions like arthritis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol have ties to oxidative stress. Cancer is also believed to be more likely to develop if oxidative stress is impacting the body.

Help your parents achieve their goals of eating healthier. If they have a harder time with chores like meal preparation, grocery shopping, or cleaning up the kitchen, elder care services are important. elder care aides can help out and make sure they’re able to live independently in their home. Call our elder care agency to make the arrangements.

Sources: https://nutritiondata.self.com/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551541/

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Littlestown PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.