As the winter nights continue to bite and the flurry of winter illnesses shows no sign of slowing, people are looking for mood-boosting foods to help pack their plates with a healthy hit.
Fresh berries , including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are packed with flavour and brimming with natural nutrients, making these vibrant fruits a key ingredient of a mood-boosting diet.
With the ‘dopamine dressing’ trend sweeping social media, people are encouraged to wear clothes that make them feel good and boost their mood during the winter months.
Now it is time to embrace ‘dopamine dining’ and embracing colourful plates that help improve your health and energise your day.
And what better way to start the day than with a breakfast bowl full of berries? Sales figures show the demand for berries is on the rise, with sales increasing by 4.3 percent in the past year alone.
Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, the industry body representing 95 percent of berry growers in the UK, says: “Berries are not just a delicious and versatile fruit; studies show that they also contribute towards a healthier lifestyle. Our growers are committed to ensuring the highest quality berries reach your tables, so more and more people can enjoy these vitamin and nutrient-packed products in a variety of ways.”
Let’s dive into all the ways berries can support your healthy habits throughout the winter months.
Dopamine dining
British berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support in the body’s natural production of dopamine – the ‘happy hormone’. By choosing foods that naturally support the production of dopamine you can contribute to both your physical health and mental wellbeing, to help elevate your mood.
Brain-boosting
Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to combat oxidative stress that can age the brain and affect memory. According to experts at King’s College London, it only takes a handful of blueberries a day to protect our brain cells and improve communication between them, boosting memory, cognitive function, and overall brain health.
Gut-loving
With the growing trend toward gut health, more of us are realising just how important it is to nurture our digestive systems. Blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries are particularly beneficial for gut health.
Their high fibre content and natural prebiotic properties help cleanse your digestive system. Fibre keeps everything moving smoothly, while polyphenols fuel the good bacteria in your gut, helping them thrive and maintain balance.
Breakfast berries
Fresh berries make an excellent addition to any meal – whether it’s as a sweet treat after a meal, snacking on them during the day, or throwing them in smoothies, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these little nutritional powerhouses.
But the way to make the healthy habits stick is to make them a part of your daily routine. By packing them onto your morning porridge, sprinkling them on your cereal, or covering them in yoghurt, you’re giving your brain the best start to the day.