The warm weather is finally here and that means more berry stands are coming out from the shadows. Berries are one of my favorite foods, not only do they have a natural sweetness but they are one of the best foods to eat. But do you know what each berry has to offer you health wise? Well now is my times, as your California health insurance agent, to share why you should be eating these power packed berries.

1. Raspberries: These ruby red berries are sweet with a hint of tang and are filled with flavonoids. These flavonoids help counter cell damage in the, are high in vitamin C, and produce fiber, folate, iron, and potassium.

2. Blueberries: Although small, these blue berries contain a high dosage of antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and can help curb the growth of cancer cells. Blueberries have also been known to protect against some intestinal upsets and urinary tract infections.

3. Blackberries: Although just as healthy as the other berries, I find I eat less blackberries than the others, but after finding out how healthy they are I think I should eat more. Like all berries, blackberries are rich in antioxidants and rank among the healthiest fruits. They are not only high in fiber, but low in calories. They provide a great amount of vitamin C, flavonoids, folate, vitamin E, iron, and calcium.

4. Strawberries: Like its berry friends, strawberries are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, folate, potassium, and low in calories.

5. Goji Berries: These are one type of berry I have not tried, and I don’t know why. The goji berry has been used to treating diabetes, hypertension, malaria, fever, cancer, and other ailments. It is also high in vitamin C and beta-carotene.

6. Acai Berry: These deep purple berries are known to combat free radicals, help slow signs of aging, support the immune system and healthy skin.

Since we are on the subject of berries, it only makes sense for our Foodie Friday recipe to contain berries. So I took a recipe from onegreenplanet.org that I would like to make, and share it will all of you. I hope you enjoy these nutrient rich Goji Energy Bites.

Goji Berry Bites from onegreenplanet.org

Goji Energy Bites Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw organic almonds
• 1 1/2 cups pitted dates
• 1 tsp vanilla powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• zest of 1 lemon
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup dried shredded coconut (reserve some for garnish)
• 1/4 cup goji berries (reserve some for garnish)

Chocolate Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, liquid state
• 3/4 cup cacao paste (*Cacao paste is a mixture of cacao powder and cacao butter- you can make it yourself or buy it pre-made)
• 1 tbsp agave
• sprinkle of vanilla powder
• pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Using a food processor, break up almonds.
2. Add in the rest of the ingredients, except goji berries.
3. Blend well. Fold in goji berries.
4. Form into a rectangle.
5. Refrigerate while making chocolate sauce.
6. Pour chocolate sauce over bars and garnish with coconut and goji berries.
7. Let set in refrigerator and then slice into bite sized squares.
8. Keep chilled or frozen.