Although we categorize many fruits as berries, there is a definite definition for what a berry is, and what it is not. A berry is a fruit that has pulp and seeds that came from a single ovary. Some of the false berries include blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries because they came from other parts of the plant and not the ovary.

True berries would include, but are not limited to grapes, tomatoes, barberry, currant, elderberry, gooseberry, honeysuckle, mayapple, nannyberry, Oregon grape and sea-buckthorn. These came from a single ovary.

Even though a lot of the fruits that we call berries are not even in the berry family, they still have some very important nutritional value. For example, the strawberry is a good source of potassium and magnesium. It also contains sodium, calcium, copper and manganese. The strawberry is a very good source of antioxidants. Studies show that strawberries lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancer.

Cranberries are another excellent source for antioxidants. They also have bacteria blocking agents, which research suggests, is the reason they are excellent for discouraging urinary tract infections. These little red beauties are also low in the carbohydrate level, low in calories and contain no fat what-so-ever.

Blueberries are another good source for antioxidants. They are rich in vitamins c, a, e, and beta carotene. They also contain magnesium, manganese and potassium. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber.

So, even if these fruits don't actually fall into the berry family as it is described, they are still a very important part of balancing your antioxidants and vitamins. Go on, eat as much as you like. I have never heard of anyone overdosing on berries, however, if you have food allergies, check with your doctor. Those who have allergic reactions to strawberries, may also have allergic reactions to other berries as well, true or false.