10 Types Of Berries In India And Their Benefits

Berries have been called superfoods. It is rather surprising how they have always been a part of the Indian Kitchen, yet people do not know much about their nutrient-rich profile. Berries like Amla, ber, Jamun and Karonda are healthy, full of nutrients, and readily available in the market. 

Berries have always been a loved childhood treat. I remember picking amla off amla trees on my school ground or picking up the ones that had fallen on the ground. Our sports teacher carried a packet of salt to compliment the Amla. The food market in town was filled with different kinds of berries. There were carts filled with tangy amla, ripe jamun, purple and green angoor and other berries depending on the season. 

Table Of Contents

1. Health Benefits Of Berries 

2. 10 Types Of Berries From India

3. The Final Say 

Health Benefits Of Berries 

Berries are pulpy edible fruits that are usually sweet and sour. Berries have been proven to be highly healthy and nutritious by numerous scientific studies. They are an excellent option to add to our diets due to their high antioxidant levels, making them an excellent snack for weight loss. These berries are good for your heart, brain and even your skin because they have antioxidants and polyphenols that impart purple or crimson colour to these berries. We will put light onto some berries from our homeland because they deserve as much attention as the exported berries as they are cultivated locally and are probably healthier as they are fresher, not packed or flown from around the world. 

10 Types Of Berries From India 

1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla has various herbal medicine and culinary uses. The berry is an excellent source of Vitamin C and has antioxidants and heart-health-related benefits. It is due to the presence of vitamin C that helps fight the common cold and infections. Various antibacterial and astringent properties help strengthen the immune system of the body. It is also a good source of fibre that helps the food move forward and thus makes smooth bowel movements. It also helps in the detoxification of the body.

2. Angoor (Grapes)

Angoor is a small round fruit that is super refreshing and sweet. They are extremely healthy as they are packed with vitamins C & K, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and antioxidants such as carotene and resveratrol, which help prevent various chronic diseases, even cancer. In addition, the presence of lutrin and zeaxanthin helps in the prevention of free radicals from causing damage to the retina. 

3. Karonda 

Karonda is a type of small berry with a sweet yet tangy taste and dark red. It is found in hilly regions of India and is used to prepare jams, chutney and achar. The fruit gets sweeter as it matures. 

The delicious fruit is rich in vitamins B, C and iron and excellent antioxidants that help improve digestion, support mental health and treat inflammation. 

4. Kanta Berry

Kanta berry, commonly known as Kanntam, originates from the Konkan region of India. The fruit has a white sticky substance on its purple skin. It is eaten raw and not cooked and comes in green and yellow. It has a pungent taste similar to that of Amla. 

5. Rasbhari (Cape gooseberry)

The golden orange berries taste sour and sometimes bitter. They have a smooth glossy exterior. Rasbhari is rich in vitamin A and helps strengthen the vision and protect the eye. It is a no-brainer for diabetic people to add these to their diet as they are diabetic-friendly and help maintain sugar levels. 

6. Shahoot (Mulberry)

Mulberries, like other berries, are packed with nutrients such as anthocyanins, polyphenols and other antioxidants. They help improve our skin, hair and overall health and protect our bodies from the harmful effects of toxic free radicals. They are also known for their blood-cleansing properties and help improve blood circulation. 

7. Zara Berry 

The berries are purple with green seeds inside them. They are cultivated in and around Goa. The fruit is sweet. The presence of flavonoids helps control diabetes, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. 

8. Strawberry 

There are about 20 different strawberries grown in our country. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, folate, manganese, potassium and flavonoids. They also have small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids on their exterior surface. The abundance of vitamin C helps boost our immunity. The acid in strawberries helps remove stains from our teeth, so they are also used to whiten teeth. 

9. Ber 

It is one of the most popular berries and is loved by all. They are eaten in fresh and dried form as well. It boosts the immune system and keeps infections away because of its packed vitamins. Ber promotes digestion and enhances heart health. It is used for wound healing, promoting digestion, skin rejuvenation, strengthening bones, and weight loss. It can be used to protect the heart, prevent anxiety, memory, insomnia, and cancer, control blood sugar levels and boost immunity.

10. Jamun

Jamun is grown on the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout the year. These purple-coloured berries are found in tropical and subtropical areas. The fruit tastes sweet and leaves purple in the mouth after eating it. It is a low-calorie, delicious fruit packed with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, calcium, folic acid and magnesium. Jamun increases haemoglobin, keeps the heart healthy, treats digestive problems, fights respiratory problems, helps with weight loss and keeps skin healthy and radiant.

The Final Say 

Berries are highly nutritious, taste great, and provide many health benefits for your skin and heart. The rich-in-fibre fruit is an excellent weight-loss snack. It helps make the brain sharper because of flavonoids, namely anthocyanins, that improve brain learning and memory. Your health can improve in a very enjoyable way if you start regularly.

FAQs

1. Can berries be eaten at night?

Berries are rich in antioxidants that help reduce overall physical stress, allowing you to have a more restful sleep.

2. How long can berries last frozen?

Frozen berries can last up to 3 months in the freezer if stored in tightly sealed

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