Berries may be tiny, but when it comes to antioxidants—the compounds that help protect your cells from damage—they’re nutritional heavyweights. A steady diet of berries is one of the smartest moves you can make for your long-term health, says Tamara Duker Freuman, MS, RD, CDN.
In fact, berries are a cornerstone of the MIND diet, a way of eating shown to protect against cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The diet calls for two servings a week—though more is even better. And it’s not just blueberries that deserve the spotlight. Here’s a closer look at the best berries for antioxidant power.
Tamara Duker Freuman, M.S., R.D., C.D.N, is a New York-based dietitian whose clinical practice focuses on the dietary management of digestive and metabolic diseases
Wild Blueberries
Cultivated blueberries are often touted for their benefits, but wild blueberries pack even more antioxidants—particularly anthocyanins, the pigments that give them their deep color. They top the charts for antioxidants. What’s more, “Frozen wild blueberries have even higher levels of antioxidants than fresh,” Freuman says, since freezing preserves them at peak ripeness. Frozen wild blueberries are more widely available than fresh. Freuman eats the frozen version almost daily.
Black Currants
Credit:
Karina Stan / 500px / Getty Images
Despite their name, black currants (Ribes nigrum) are considered a berry. They are dark and intense in flavor, and among the richest sources of anthocyanins, as well as very high in vitamin C. Their antioxidant profile makes them a solid addition to your rotation. And, as they are not as widely available as some of the other berries in this list, seeking them out frozen or dried, as well as fresh when you see them, makes sense.
Cranberries
Credit: gaus-nataliya / Getty Images
These tart berries rank near the top of antioxidant charts, but Freuman notes they are tricky to eat without added sugar. Look for unsweetened frozen cranberries to blend into smoothies, or enjoy small amounts of dried, unsweetened ones if you can find them.
Acai
Credit:
Getty Images
Generally found frozen in puree form rather than fresh berries, acai is rich in anthocyanins and other phytonutrients. Just be mindful of sugar-laden acai bowls—Freuman suggests opting for unsweetened puree and adding your own fruit for natural sweetness.
Blackberries
Credit:
Getty / Bhofack 2
Loaded with anthocyanins, blackberries are another antioxidant powerhouse. One caveat: they contain sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar that can cause gas in sensitive individuals.
Raspberries
Credit: Kate Sears
Raspberries are anthocyanin-rich like their blueberry cousins, but they also stand out for their high fiber content—about 8 grams per cup—and their ellagic acid, which supports healthy blood vessels and blood pressure.
Strawberries
Credit: Con Poulos
These favorite berries deliver anthocyanins and ellagic acid, along with an impressive dose of vitamin C and folate. Together, these nutrients help protect against DNA damage, support cognitive function, and reduce cardiovascular disease risk, says Freuman.
Cape Gooseberries (Goldenberries)
Credit:
Getty / Cucu Remus
Marketed as berries, though technically not true berries, these bright yellow fruits grow inside a papery husk, similar to tomatillos. Goldenberries are not as high in antioxidants as others in this list, but they contain a unique phytonutrient called withanolide, which Freuman says has been linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Plus, they are high in vitamin C.
A Few Extra Tips
Variety matters: Different berries contain different beneficial compounds—don’t only eat one kind, mix it up for the best benefits.
Frozen is fantastic: In many cases, frozen berries retain more antioxidants than fresh.
Watch the heat: Cooking can degrade anthocyanins, so if antioxidants are your goal, eat berries fresh, frozen, or dried.
Go easy on added sugar: Especially with tart berries like cranberries or goldenberries.
With so many options—fresh, frozen, dried, and even pureed—it’s easy to work berries into your daily routine. The more often they’re on your plate (or in your smoothie), the more your brain, heart, and cells stand to benefit.