FEATURE COLUMN:

Berries improve your sex life (and your general health!)

That’s right folks, berries are the new Viagra.

The little blue pill has been replaced by blueberries – and there’s research to prove it!

Before you laugh and move on… here’s the scientific evidence.

Nature’s little blue pill

The study involved more than 25,000 men -- and those who ate the greatest amount of blueberries AND citrus fruits had nearly 20 percent lower risk of erectile dysfunction, compared to those who ate less.

OK, the researchers can’t definitively prove that eating berries resulted in the big drop in erectile dysfunction – but there certainly seemed to be a pattern.

What’s the big deal about berries?

Berries have multiple compounds that are good for you.

Antioxidants – berries are loaded with vitamins A, C and E, which protect cells from damage and possibly from disease.

Resveratrol – naturally found in grapes and some berries, as well as in red wine and dark chocolate. May help lower inflammation, prevent clogged arteries, protect against cancer – and even dementia.

Flavonoids – more “good stuff” to protect against cancer, inflammation and heart disease.

Berries have higher nutritional value than other fruits. They have fiber, flavonoids, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and some minerals, and other important compounds.

Berries have the complete package.

However, variety is important

Before you start popping blueberries, here’s a quick note.

• No single berry is really the answer.
• Berries all have different colors, which means they have different nutrients.
• Eat lots of different berries to get all those different nutrients.
• Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes – eat ‘em up.
• Apples, pears, citrus and tea, too.

It’s all good for your health – including your sex life. Pop the berries now!