In addition, they’re also a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin K1.
Due to their high fiber and antioxidant content, berries are one of the best fruits to consume on a Mediterranean diet. This includes strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, with raspberries containing the most fiber. In addition, they’re also a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin K1. What’s so great about fiber? Fiber is essential for your gut health. The bacteria in your gut (large intestine) feed on fiber, and if you do not consume enough, they may eat away at the mucus layer of your intestine and cause a bacterial infection or inflammatory disease. In fact, one study showed increased levels of the fiber-degrading faecalibacterium prausnitzii (bacteria) and genes for microbial carbohydrate degradation upon following a Mediterranean diet ( 3). This means that the increased fiber intake while on the Mediterranean diet led to a positive change in the composition of the gut microbiome. Fiber can also relieve constipation and ensure smooth bowel movements. Try eating berries as a snack or on top of yogurt and oatmeal for breakfast.