Berries have been shown to be some of the healthiest foods on the planet. It seems new research is constantly being published and berries are being recognized and analyzed for their health giving properties.

Extremely high in antioxidants, berries are among my favorite foods. In no specific order, these are berries that are extremely high health benefits:

1. Goji Berries

Sometimes called Chinese Wolfberry or Mede Berry, traditional societies link this potent berry to sexual vitality, happiness, longevity, and overall physical strength. Grown in Tibet and Nepal, goji berries have been scientifically linked to possessing the ability to fight negative health conditions and protect the liver from contaminates.

Deep red in color, goji berries are composed of 18 essential amino acids, 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E, linoleic acid, selenium, germanium, and more beta carotene than the common carrot.

A study from the Chinese Journal of Oncology found that patients with cancer responded better to treatment when goji berries were added to their daily diet.

2. Blueberries

The blueberry is an antioxidant powerhouse. That deep blue color is related to high amounts of phytonutrients called anthocyanidins ^[1]. These phytonutrients aid in the process of neutralizing free radical damage in our cells.

Overtime, the collagen matrix of our tissues and cells begins to deteriorate. Blueberries help to keep this from happening, with a high capacity for free-radical neutralization.

A recent study from Tufts University analyzed over 50 common fruits and vegetables for hard scientific data on their antioxidant capabilities. Blueberries consistently ranked at the top of this list.

Blueberries also help to reduce our chances of developing diseases related to redness of the cells. This includes a reduced risk for heart disease, cataracts, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, glaucoma, and peptic ulcers. The American Institute for Cancer Research states, “We now know that blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants, substances that can slow the aging process and reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer.”

3. Acai Berries

The acai berry is a relatively new-found health treasure. Once only known in the forests of the Amazon rainforest, the acai berry was traditionally used as a powerfully healing, energy-boosting fruit.

Similar to red wine, acai berries are dense in levels of anthocyanins, a substance associated with heart health and lowered levels of cholesterol.

Due to their strong antioxidant contents, acai berries are also related to slowing the process of aging and preventing diseases related to cellular oxidative damage. One acai berry holds ten times the amount of antioxidant vitamins as grapes, and two times the amount of blueberries.

4. Bilberries

Three times smaller than the blue berry, but similar in appearance and flavor, bilberries are extremely high in antioxidant anthocyanidins.

Bilberries are known for helping diabetes, as anthocyanidins protect the lining of blood vessels from being degenerated through the process of toxic oxidation ^[2]. Bilberries have also been linked to possessing components that aid in the ability to increase night vision, protect the eyes, and reduce the occurrence of poor vision, cataracts, and macular degeneration ^[3].

Bilberries also hold components that increase the amount of blood flow to the circulatory vessels. This allows them to be useful in treating conditions related to circulatory problems such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Bilberries are best taken in a supplement or extract form.

5. Strawberries

There are over 600 varieties of strawberries on the earth so you won’t have to look hard to find this deep-red health booster. Strawberries are high in antioxidant phytonutrients known as phenols. Phenols are responsible for protecting us from disease and promoting good health.

Studies show that strawberries may also help protect the brain with a powerful antioxidant capacity. Strawberries reduce macular degeneration of the eyes, and are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, many B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, iodine, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and copper.

One study from Cornell University demonstrated that strawberries stopped the proliferation of HepG(2) liver cancer cells ^[4]. Another study showed that a substance found in the berry called isothiocyanate inhibited esophageal cancer.

6. Blackberries

Blackberries are more than just powerful antioxidants. They are also extremely high in some of the highest forms of chronic disease and cancer-fighting compounds: vitamins C, E, and ellagic acid. They also hold high levels the soluble fiber known as pectin, a substance that studies link to lowered levels of cholesterol. Related to the rose, lab studies on these thorny-bushed berries at Ohio State University showed the ability to stop tumor formation in the oral cavity, as well as proliferation of colon cancer cells.

7. Cherries

Cherries are high in quercetin and ellagic acid. This antioxidant flavonoid has been shown to promote cell and tissue health.

Cherries are also high in anthocyanins and bioflavonoids, substances related to reducing the joint and muscle discomfort. Cherries also contain melatonin, an important natural chemical related to healthy sleep rhythms and maintaining a youthful appearance.

Growing Your Own Berries

Most berries are fairly easy to grow and are fun to pick and eat first thing in the morning for breakfast. I recommend purchased berries be organically certified. Although not listed, raspberries are extremely high in ellagic acid and also have tremendous health benefits.

For eons, gemstones have been believed to hold magical powers bordering on the supernatural. They are thought to provide a connection to the planets, sun, moon and stars, and possess the power to heal or prevent illness. Gems in dreams also hold special gemstone meanings.

Blue Topaz Gemstone Ring

Gemstones are believed to collect their powers from the earth whilst they form by natural heat and pressure due to volcanic action. Therefore, many people believe these earthly powers can be harnessed for health reasons. For example, the light that reflects through a gemstone crystal, or energy emanating from it is thought to facilitate healing when the gemstone is placed on vital parts of the body. This use of gemstones and minerals for healing is called lithotherapy, and this field is gaining popularity throughout the world of alternative therapy.

Gemstones used today for healing purposes sometimes have symbolic and mystical signs engraved into them, as in ancient times. According to aficionados, the shape of the stone can also be very important. Special significance is attributed to gemstones such as long pendulum-shaped crystals with a pronounced tip, or rounded stones that are kept in the pocket or held in the hand.

Abbes Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) chronicled the healing powers of gemstones in her book Physica. Today there is a resurrection of interest in what is known as Hildegard medicine. According to her view, gemstones are formed through the powerful combination of water and fire; therefore, they hold powers corresponding to these phenomena. She also believed that each stone had a certain, divine blessing from God. For example, she said the following about sapphire: “Who is dull and would like to be clever, should, in a sober state, frequently lick with the tongue on a sapphire, because the gemstone’s warmth and power, combined with the saliva’s moisture, will expel the harmful juices that affect the intellect. Thus, the man will attain a good intellect.”

Here are many of the most popular gemstones and minerals with a description of the their crystal healing properties that they are thought to possess:

List of Gemstone Powers

Agate – All agates strengthen the effect of other stones.

• Botswana Agate – Eases depression, promotes joy, dispels lethargy, increases practicality.

Agate Gemstone Ring

• Fire Agate – Restores emotional balance and harmony, increases practicality, subdues sexual conflict.

• Moss Agate – Eases depression, restores emotional and mental balance.

• Picture Agate – Decreases apathy, sharpens mental clarity.

Alexandrite – Brings happiness, increases self-esteem.

Amber – Eases stress, facilitates expression, dispels nervous tension.

Apatite – Eases stress, facilitates expression, dispels nervous tension.

Aquamarine – Diminishes disorientation, facilitates expression, curbs unnatural fear and sharpens mental clarity.

Aventurine – Eases stress, restores emotional balance, promotes independence and sharpens mental clarity.

Azurite – Improves decision-making, eases depression, heightens dreams, promotes mental balance, sharpens mental clarity, increases mental discipline and sensitivity.

• Azurite/Malachite – Dispels stress, overcomes lack of discipline, heightens dreams, restores emotional balance and extends patience.

Beryl – Relieves stress, overcomes laziness, strengthens mental balance, increases mental clarity and mental discipline, and protects the wearer.

Bloodstone – Encourages caution, courage, promotes mental balance and clarity, strengthens mental discipline, aids in self-actualization.

Chrome Diopside Gemstone Ring

Chalcedony – Soothes depression, heightens dreams, promotes goodwill, dispels irritability, brings joy and happiness, supports mental balance, increases mental clarity, and reduces negativity and nightmares.

Chrysocolla – Relieves stress, restores emotional balance, assuages guilt, promotes maturity and dissipates nervous tension.

Chrysolite – Exposes delusion, fights depression, supports emotional and mental balance, aids in discovering past life experience.

Chrysoprase – Encourages caution, improves flexibility, inhibits greed and hysteria, promotes imagination, sharpens perception and mental clarity and aids in recall of past life experiences.

Coral – Eases depression, restores emotional balance, improves expressiveness, strengthens mental clarity, restores mental balance and banishes nightmares.

Diamond – Dispels stress, guards against envy, relieves insecurity, improves clarity and increases self-esteem.

Chrome Diopside – Relieves insecurity and strengthens self-esteem.

Emerald – Restores emotional balance, aids working closely with others and facilitates expression.

Fluorite – Has a calming effect on the body.

Garnet – Diminishes stress, promotes imagination, guards against nightmares and improves self-esteem.

Rhodolite Garnet Gemstone Ring

Hematite – Improves self-esteem.

Ivory – Eases frustration.

Jade – Brings peace and calm, intensifies expressive ability.

Jasper – Reduces stress, promotes endurance.

Jet – Reduces stress, relieves depression, calms excitability and combats manic-depressive behavior.

Lapis Lazuli – Improves expression, eases stress and dispels depression.

• Lazulite – Strengthens courage.

Loadstone (also lodestone) – Promotes expression, relieves insomnia.

Malachite – Dispels stress, heightens expression.

Moonstone – Resists mental imbalance, improves intuition and receptivity.

Onyx – Relieves stress, fights depression and soothes fear.

Rose Quartz Sterling Pendant

Obsidian – Wards off negativity and over-sensitivity.

Opal – Promotes creativity, love, and joy, resists emotional imbalance.

Pearl – Brings peace, reduces over-sensitivity.

Peridot – Extends patience, sharpens clarity and calms nerves.

Rainbow Pyrite – Eases stress and frustration, dispels depression and anxiety.

Rhodochrosite – Promotes self-love and acceptance, strengthens self-identity.

Quartz – Brings insight into the future, strengthens love and relationships

• Amethyst Quartz– Refreshes intuition and creativity, strengthens courage, guards against excess.

• Blue Dumortierite Quartz – Improves creativity, has a calming influence.

• Citrine Quartz – Reinforces self-confidence, self-discipline and creativity.

• Rose Quartz – Increases confidence, heightens personal expression, creativity and comfort.

• Smoky Quartz – Improves creativity, enhances joy, balances emotions.

• White Quartz – Promotes healing, works as an energizer.

Ruby – Reinforces confidence, increases flexibility, vitality and leadership skills.

Tourmaline Gemstone Ring

• Star Ruby – Protects from misfortune and ill-health.

Sapphire – Works as a mood elevator, improves communication, dispels stress.

• Star Sapphire – Enriches communication.

Sodalite – Fosters harmony, courage, and communication.

Tiger’s Eye – Gets rid of unwanted emotion, balances material and physical needs.

Topaz – Enhances creativity, relaxes, and balances emotion.

Tourmaline – Powerful detoxification

• Black Tourmaline (Schorl)– Energizes and protects against negativity.

• Blue Tourmaline (Indicolite), – Improves communication.

• Green Tourmaline (Verdite)– Develops feelings of love and compassion, renews creativity.

• Pink Tourmaline – Sharpens insight and perception, and strengthens creativity.

• Red Tourmaline (Rubellite) – Sharpens insight and perception, and strengthens creativity.

• Watermelon Tourmaline (Bi-color and Multicolor)– Stimulates other tourmalines and encourages unconditional love.

Turquoise – Builds strength, provides protection and helps communication.