Discover the Immense Health Benefits of Berry Burst Cider
Sweet, tangy, and infused with fruit flavor, berry burst cider has become a rising star in the world of fermented beverages. Though often overlooked in favor of wine or beer, the vibrant ros-hued cider overflowing with juicy berries packs tremendous health perks thanks to its bounty of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and more.
What is Berry Burst Cider?
Berry burst cider is a deliciously refreshing alcoholic beverage made by fermenting apple juice with an array of mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and red currants. The berries impart the cider with a stunning pink color along with plenty of disease-fighting plant compounds.
This sweet yet tart libation typically contains around 5% alcohol by volume. It can be enjoyed on its own, mixed into cocktails, or paired with a variety of foods from sharp cheeses to leafy salads to rich desserts like cheesecake or chocolate cake.
Nutrition Profile of Popular Berries
It's the vitamin and mineral-rich berries that give berry burst cider its health halo. Here's a look at the heavy hitters:
Strawberries
Strawberries supply a tremendous dose of immunity-strengthening vitamin C along with manganese, folate, potassium, and antioxidants including anthocyanins that protect heart health.
Raspberries
Raspberries contain bone-supporting calcium and magnesium as well as vitamin C and disease-fighting ellagic acid plus catechins and quercetin beneficial for heart health and natural antihistamine effects.
Blueberries
Often dubbed a "superfood," blueberries are loaded with energizing carbs, satiating fiber, and vitamins C, K, and manganese. They get their deep blue hue from anthocyanins which enhance brain and nervous system functioning.
Blackberries
Like other berries, blackberries boast abundant vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese along with vitamin E for immune support and healthy skin, hair, nails and eyes as well as the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health.
Red Currants
Tart red currants offer anti-inflammatory benefits from the omega-3 fatty acid alpha linoleic acid (ALA) along with disease-fighting antioxidants, bone-building calcium, satiating pectin fiber and vitamin C for immunity.
The Array of Health Benefits
On their own, berries are nutritional rock stars linked to an array of science-backed health benefits. Thanks to its berry mix, berry burst cider delivers these same perks in one refreshing ros-hued glass.
1. Boosts Immunity
Many berries including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries supply immune-enhancing vitamin C to help ward off colds and flu. Blackberries and currants also boost immunity with antioxidants and phytochemicals that support healthy immune function by protecting cells against damage.
2. Supports Heart Health
The anthocyanins that give berries their rich color are powerful antioxidants that guard the cardiovascular system. Berries also contain ellagic acid, quercetin, resveratrol, and catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which reduce inflammation, cholesterol oxidation and risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure.
3. Aids Digestion & Weight Loss
With approximately 7 grams of fiber per cup, berries supply the daily 25-30 grams needed to keep digestion regular and prevent constipation while promoting growth of healthy gut bacteria. The fiber and berries' high water content also lend satisfying volume for few calories, ideal for losing or managing weight.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Despite their sweet taste, berries actually help regulate healthy blood sugar levels thanks to fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and water content that slow the rate of sugar absorption in the bloodstream. Compounds in berries also support insulin production and glucose metabolism.
5. Preserves Brain Function
Antioxidants called anthocyanins give berries their deep red and blue hues while protecting the brain from oxidative damage leading to poorer cognition, memory and motor control. Ellagic acid, quercetin, catechins and vitamin K in berries also prevent inflammation and toxicity for better nervous system health.
6. Slows Skin Aging
The same antioxidants that nourish the brain also fight wrinkle-causing free radical damage to keep skin smooth and supple. Vitamins C and E and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin further guard the skin against UV sun damage that ages skin cells.
7. Supports Bone Strength
Most berries deliver bone-building calcium, magnesium and manganese. Anti-inflammatory compounds help ease painful joints to keep bones and muscles functioning at their best. Vitamin K aids bone growth and density.
8. Protects Vision Health
Lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin A nourish eyes and prevent vision loss from oxidative damage leading to cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamin C boosts collagen production needed for healthy corneas and retina while alpha lipoic acid (ALA) lowers risk of optic nerve damage.
9. Fights Cancer
The deep red, blue and purple pigments of berries called anthocyanins prevent DNA damage linked to cancer development thanks to their high antioxidant levels. Ellagic acid, quercetin, vitamin C, folate and flavonoids found abundantly in berries also impede cancer cell mutation and tumor growth.
Enjoy Berry Burst Cider in Moderation
While vibrantly hued berry burst cider certainly deserves a spot in your fridge for its impressive nutrition and health profile, keep in mind that the alcohol content makes enjoying it in moderation key. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
Pregnant women should avoid alcohol completely to protect their baby's health. Excessive alcohol intake negatively affects nearly all bodily systems, so be mindful of your cider consumption even though its berry base provides some counterbalance to the alcohol itself.
Savor berry burst cider responsibly and reap its amazing benefits including better immunity, heart health, skin, eyes, digestion, blood sugar regulation, and so much more!
FAQs
What berries are typically used in berry burst cider?
Berry burst ciders often feature a blend of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and red currants to provide a variety of flavors and health-boosting compounds.
Is berry burst cider gluten-free?
Yes, since berry burst cider is made from fruit - namely apples and various berries - it is naturally gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten.
Does berry burst cider have any preservatives or added sugars?
No, authentic berry burst cider contains 100% juice from fresh pressed apples and berries with no added preservatives, sugars or artificial ingredients.
Can people with diabetes drink berry burst cider?
While the berries provide antioxidants for health, the sugar content can affect blood sugar regulation. Enjoy berry cider sparingly, test blood sugar levels after consuming, and consult a doctor.
Is berry cider keto-friendly?
Unfortunately berry ciders are too high in natural carbohydrates from fruit sugars to fit a ketogenic diet. Hard ciders should be limited on keto.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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