Grapes are widely consumed either as whole raw fruit or in the form of juice, wine, raisins, or vinegar. Improved insulin sensitivity may lower the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, which are associated with a range of negative health outcomes ( 36). Summary So next time you’re walking through the woods and spot a berry, take a second to find out whether it’s an edible one. And if it is, grab a handful and enjoy! References

Few lies can be told in one word, but “superfood” manages it. It is such an appealing idea: that some foods are healthy, some unhealthy and some superhealthy. Why change your habits, when you can correct them by adding goji berries? Why settle for boring old good health, when chia seeds on your cereal can make you superhealthy? Little wonder that 61% of British people reported buying foods because they were supposed superfoods, according to a 2014 survey conducted by YouGov for Bupa.

Finally, grape juice may even benefit brain health. A small clinical trial of 25 women found that drinking 12 ounces (355 ml) of Concord grape juice every day for 12 weeks significantly improved memory and driving performance ( 71). Summary

They find their way into juices, jams, chutneys, pies, and pretty much any other type of food product you can imagine. Keep in mind that açaí berries are often consumed dried or freeze-dried, which can affect their nutritional content. Because of their astringent taste, most people don’t eat fresh chokeberries. Rather, they use them to make jams, teas, syrups or put into baked goods. Finally, another study showed that eating 2 ounces (60 grams) per day of freeze-dried strawberry powder reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory chemicals in people at risk of developing esophageal cancer ( 35). Summary

Chokeberries

We’ve finally arrived at the first of the main berries in this list, and by that we mean the ones the average Brit is likely to be able to reliably identify in the wild. No independent studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals that substantiate claims that acai supplements alone promote rapid weight loss. Researchers who investigated the safety profile of an acai-fortified juice in animals observed that there were no body weight changes in rats given the juice compared with controls.” Goji berries also contain high levels of vitamin A and zeaxanthin, both of which are important for eye health. Apart from typical berries such as blueberries, cranberries, and redcurrants, there are some unusual varieties of berries that are definitely worth trying. Cloudberries

Redcurrants are similar in size to blueberries and these shiny red berries have a tart, tangy taste that still has some sweetness. The astringent taste of these currant varieties can leave your mouth feeling somewhat dry, although not as dry and bitter as chokeberries. Name aside though, gooseberry is a catch-all term to describe several species of Ribes, the fruits of which all share a common appearance (if varying in size and colour). Hailing from such a wide region, barberries have found their way into many cuisines around the world. A more modest moniker, for sure, and one which is honoured by plaques and statues in the region: proof if you ever need it of the regard in which we hold fruit, and berries in particular, here in the UK. Berry Good!They have remarkable levels of vitamin C, beta carotene, amino acids, iron and B vitamins. Available dried, they taste kind of like a dried cherry with a slight metallic and salty tinge; they are also available is powder, juice or supplement form. They travel a long way to get to North America, though, so love them sparingly. [Related : Goji berries: Health benefits, tips and recipes] Aronia berries are sour to the point that they’re usually processed before use rather than being eaten raw, as with some others in this list. Hipster rating Low, now that you can get it in washing-up liquid. Pomegranate molasses, which is basically sugar, is very cool. Studies indicate that eating these soft juicy red berries may help to lower blood pressure and help prevent fat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. ( 14, 15) Goji berries (wolfberries) are a red type of exotic berry that are better known in Western countries than açai berries.