Revitalize4Life

Blueberries, they are a North American treat!  July was national blueberry month as it is the peak season for this berry, but did you know how good this little blue gem is for your health?  It’s recognized as the “prince of fruits” and offers a wide assortment of valuable nutrients which have been associated with many health benefits. For centuries, the Native American Indians revered blueberries and folklore developed around them. The blossom end of each berry, the calyx, forms the shape of a perfect five-pointed star; the elders of the tribe would tell of how the Great Spirit sent “star berries” to relieve the children’s hunger during a famine. Parts of the blueberry plant were also used as medicine. A tea made from the leaves of the plant was thought to be good for the blood. Blueberry juice was used to treat coughs.

So what are all the benefits of this tiny sweet fruit? It is full of antioxidants such as: 

* Polyphenols (including tannins) this reduces inflammaation in the digestive systme and counteracts damage-causing free radicals, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and other age-related disease

* Kaempferol  A flavonoid known to reinforce a healthy immune system

* Pterostilbene & Resveratrol   Reduces cholesterol and breaks down fat (this is what I really like about these gems!)

* Anthocyanins: Contribute to vision preservation and combating e-coli (this has been in the news as of late and blueberries can help!)

* Vitamin C: Critical for healthy gums, capillaries, immune system, the development of collagen, and the absorption of iron

* Dietary Fiber: Promotes intestinal and heart health

* Manganese: Vital in bone development and the metabolism
of protein, carbohydrates and fat

* Tannins: Help reduce inflammation in the digestive system

Other health benefits the Blueberry offers include:  Anti-aging, augment learning capability and memory (boy do I need that!), plus may help to prevent urinary tract infections.  So it’s not too late to get these health beneficial little fruits.  Blueberries are packed in plastic trays of different sizes and are normally in your market within hours of harvest! In the winter you will find fresh blueberries from South America , Australia and New Zealand which are air freighted to your local market.

This is one of the four fruit I will be writing on in upcoming blog posts that come from the royal family of fruits! Go and get some for added boost to your morning cereal, muffins and breads, mid afternoon snack, addition to your fruit salad, added to yogurt and fruit smoothies – just for starters!  Thanks to the sources of this information.  Here’s to your health! 

 Please provide your health blueberry recipes to share!  I’d love to hear them as my family loves blueberries.  To your health!