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From our Daily Tips: "Berries Can Lower Your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure."

When I'm watching what I eat, I'm always surprised by how easy it is to get tripped up on choosing healthy snacks. I tend to stock up on snacks that are healthy but tasteless, and then I'm more likely to head for the vending machine. My latest solution:  When I'm looking for a food that tastes great and contributes to my health, I go for berries.

First, the basics: berries are a source of natural vitamins and minerals, and they're rich in natural antioxidants, which are believed to combat processes linked to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. They're also are a great source of polyphenol, which researchers are investigating for antioxidant properties that could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. And it turns out that berries have even more health benefits for your heart. A 2008 study concluded that eating berries regularly may also help to prevent cardiovascular disease by improving platelet function, HDL cholesterol, and blood pressure!

To top it all off, berries are delicious. No matter what you like, there are berries out there that you'll enjoy – people who tend towards sugary foods can satisfy their sweet tooth with strawberries and blueberries, while people who prefer tart foods may be more drawn to the cranberries. You can always find bags of frozen berries in your grocer's freezer case—they're tasty and most affordable. And as we head into the summer months when berries are in season, you'll probably have some opportunities to buy them locally, especially if there are farmer's markets near you.

Once you've picked out your berries, there are tons of ways to use them. I use berries to add a kick to leafy green salads or to sweeten plain yogurt; my mother swears by the strawberry-banana smoothies she blends for breakfast.

What about you? What are your favorite berry-licious recipes—do you prefer them plain, in smoothies, or as part of a healthy dessert?