Heavenly Blueberries
The end of summer is fast approaching on the east coast and soon fresh local blueberries will be hard to find. I'm a blueberry lover. I love blueberry pie. I'll eat blueberries with ice cream or cottage cheese; drop them in a smoothie or pancake batter. My 10-month-old granddaughter loves blueberries so much; she hums whenever she eats them.
There are many reasons to enjoy blueberries. One cup of blueberries packs a punch in the fiber department and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. In fact, nutritionists recommend eating at least five blueberries each day. They are practically fat-free and add a pop of color to any meal. Besides being delicious, they have a low GI (glycemic) rating.
Think of blueberries as a super fruit! Have them as a snack with nuts or other fruits. Include them in your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Make them a part of your weekly food menu and your body will reap the benefits of healthy eating.
Here's the inside scoop on blueberries:
What's vitamin C got to do with it?
Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron and promotes a healthy immune system. It plays a primary role in the development of healthy tissues throughout the body.
It's all about the fiber.
Fiber keeps us regular. The more we eat, the healthier our digestive systems will be. Fiber also aids in a healthy heart and keeps LDLs (bad cholesterol) away.
Behold the antioxidants.
Antioxidants are nutrients found in foods that help to slow down or prevent cellular damage within the body. Blueberries carry an assortment of antioxidants that also function as anti-inflammatory compounds. Antioxidants are also the reason why blueberries are a rich blue color.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, studies by scientist on lab animals have shown that blueberries decreased cholesterol. Hamsters given portions of blueberry juice had better cholesterol health than those that were not. There is also talk that blueberries may aid in healthy bone development and in the fight against breast cancer.
Sources:
Published by Eva Belen
Eva is a freelance writer, illustrator, and desktop publisher. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Eva has two manuscripts for children's picture book stories and has begu... View profile
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