Eat blueberries for a health boost
Blueberries – why are they considered a super healthy food? Growing up, I went blueberry picking with my grandfather. At first, more blueberries went into my mouth than into the bucket. Who knew I was boosting my health every time I went blueberry picking?
Why are blueberries so healthy? What make blueberries a power food?
Health.com discusses the 5 Health Benefits of Blueberries, According to a Nutritionist.
1. Antioxidants – blueberries are “blue” or some say “purple”. This coloring means blueberries provide different antioxidants than other colored fruit. Berries, in particular, have higher antioxidant levels than other fruits. Antioxidants are great for our health as they help protect our bodies and cells from damage and thus protect us from some diseases and “protect against inflammation”. Blueberries provide the antioxidant, anthocyanin which lowers our risk of certain cancers, helps our memories, and promotes healthy aging. Interesting that wild blueberries, the kind I picked all those years ago with my grandfather, have higher antioxidant levels. About twice “the antioxidant power of ordinary blueberries…”. But you don’t have to go out and pick blueberries, you can buy frozen wild blueberries at your local store or buy fresh blueberries, both are full of good antioxidants.Blueberries are high in antioxidants. |
The next time you see some fresh blueberries on sale, buy some. Or, stop by the frozen food section and pick up some frozen wild blueberries which provided even more of those healthy antioxidants. For the cooks in our audience, try some blueberry recipes from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. They have blueberry drink recipes, breakfast and bread recipes and many more ways to add blueberries to your day. Try the Blueberry Turmeric Smoothie for a real antioxidant boost to your day.
Blueberry Turmeric Smoothie (modified to use real milk and not fake milk)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1 cup frozen blueberries, rinsed
- ½ cup ice cubes
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh turmeric
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Makes 2 glasses. You can add some honey to sweeten. For a nutritional boost add some chia, hemp, or ground flax seeds.
Visit the Blueberry Council for more information.
Sources: Health Benefits of Blueberries, According to a Nutritionist , protect , inflammation , anthocyanin , wild blueberries , twice , vitamins , minerals , Fiber , found , neurons , calories , study , diabetes, Smoothie , Blueberry Council Image Sources: Antioxidant Activity , bowl , blueberries
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