Berries get their deep color from the large amount of phytonutrients packed into them that act as antioxidants.  These antioxidants (as stated before) boost the immune system and fight of dangerous free radicals from the body.  These same nutrients also are commonly linked to fighting many types of cancer.

Berries are great sources for Vitamin C and manganese, both of which aid the bodies’ protective systems that fight free radicals.  Each type has its own unique benefits as well.  Strawberries are great for fighting heart disease and inflammation.  Blueberries have been linked to improving night vision and brain functionality.  Raspberries have antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria growths in the body.

It is always a good idea to go organic when fruit juicing.  Berries usually contain traces of pesticides and chemicals – especially strawberries.  Do yourself a favor and spend the extra money for organic berries to prevent these compounds getting in your juicer recipes.  At the very least, get organic strawberries, as they are the worst offenders when it comes to chemical traces.

A great thing about berries is that if you don’t use them, you can freeze them before they go bad and use them on another day.  They’re small and easy to store in your freezer.  Fortunately, freezing berries does not alter the antioxidant content much, so you still get significant nutritional value.

In the next post, I’ll give a list of some great berry juicer recipes!

Berry Blast Juice Recipe

• blueberries
• raspberries
• strawberries
• blackberries
• soy milk to thicken (optional)

Citrus Berry Juice

• 1 grapefruit
• handful of strawberries (about 7-8)
• 1 orange
• 1/2 lemon

Grapple Berry Juice

• handful grapes
• 1 apple (don’t use a tart apple)
• strawberries (use an amount equal to the amount of grapes used)

Tropical Juicer Recipe

• handful of strawberries
• 2 oranges
• 1 kiwi
• 1 banana
• Note: You must juice the first 3 ingredients, then blend the juice with the banana.  Don’t forget that the banana is unjuicable and should not be juiced for all juicer recipes.

Apple Berry Juice

• 2 apples
• handful of strawberries
• raspberries (add to desired taste)

Berry Cucumber Juice

• handful of strawberries
• raspberries (about 1 cup)
• blueberries (about 1 cup)
• 1 cucumber

Watermelon Berry Juicer Recipe

• 1/4 watermelon
• strawberries (about 1 cup)
• blueberries (about 1 cup)
• 1 lemon

Berry Smoothie (Must use blender)

This is one of my favorite recipes I have used many times, though it is not a juicer recipe.  You will need a blender.

• frozen strawberries
• frozen blueberries
• frozen raspberries
• frozen blackberries (optional)
• cranberry juice
• ice cubes (about 3 or 4)
• Add an equal amount of strawberries and blueberries.  Add fewer raspberries and blackberries.
• Blend all the ingredients.  I hate to admit it, but I am guilty of adding a little bit of chocolate syrup too.  It adds a subtle chocolatey taste.  You probably shouldn’t add any though if health is a concern…