Enjoy Eating Berries Without Getting Sick

How do berries affect the body? There are numerous investigations being carried out by researchers in the health industry to pinpoint these effects. Some of the studies have found that women who ate strawberries and blueberries often were not as likely to experience memory loss. These studies compared the heavy berry eaters to women who did not eat berries as often. "This is pretty compelling evidence to suggest that berries do appear to have memory benefits," says researcher Elizabeth E. Devore, ScD, instructor in medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Some berries have good fatty acids; are high in vitamin content; carry large amounts of protein; and also have high amounts of antioxidants. All of these have positive effects for the body. The effects range from body detoxification to slow down, or prevention, of memory loss.

This is great news, but before you decide to go on a nature hunt and pick your own berries, be aware that some berries look pretty, smell good, but may be very poisonous. Take a look at the list.

List of Some Poisonous Berries

• The Baneberry, also called Bugbane, has a waxy, shiny appearance and is either red or white in color. The poisonous berry contains cardiogenic toxins which affect the cardiac muscle. This could result in a heart attack or death. It is normally found in Nova Scotia.


• The Holly berry is a beautiful red and is often used to decorate homes during the Christmas season. Unfortunately, the berry may cause vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. They originated in France.


• The Yew berry may be red or blue. The alkaloid chemical in the plant can be fatal and cause the heart to stop. Ironically, some birds eat them without harm. The berry is located in numerous places throughout the world.


• NOTE: If you are marooned and in a life or death situation, make sure you do not swallow the poisonous seeds from the Yew if you have to eat them.


• The Pokeberry, also called Pokeweed, or Pokebush, is dark purple and is poisonous to humans. Eating too many may affect your breathing and lead to death. Birds are also able to ingest them but you cannot. The Pokeberry is located in North and South America, as well as East Asia, and New Zealand.


• The Jerusalem cherry is poisonous and is often confused with the cherry tomatoes. Some symptoms include hallucination, diarrhea, and can include a coma when eaten. The berry is believed to be native to Peru and Ecuador; but due to bird migration and redistribution, it is found in many countries. It has been relocated as far as Australia.

Most berries have some type of defensive mechanism. These mechanisms help the species survive. Whether you peel the skin, remove the seed, or cook the berries, you should know how to prepare your berries before you eat them. The best thing to do before picking and eating berries is to get a reference book and select the correct berries.

As previously mentioned, there are berries which have positive effects on the body and there are those which have negative effects. Make sure you select the correct berry so you do not get sick. Stay safe!