Berries have been shown to contain compounds called polyphenals and anthocyanins which are known for their antioxidant activity and for being cancer preventative.

Studying ways to keep strawberries fresh during storage let to an interesting discovery by researchers from the US and Thailand - treating the fruit with alcohol increased not only its shelf life and helped it resist decay, it increased its antioxidant qualities, making it healthier to eat. The same effects were noted in blackberries.

So the next time you serve up a strawberry daiquiri, you may actually be serving a health drink.