What You Need to Know About Blueberries

How about adding some blue to your diet? Blueberries are not only flavorful, but healthy as well. All fruits are known as healthy for our bodies, but blueberries are the number one fruit when it comes to antioxidant content. They have been called a Super Food; due to it's helping with brainpower.

Antioxidants are what protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals like pollution, tobacco smoke, or damaging chemicals, are what damages the cells in our bodies, and can cause cancer. Blueberries are also known to help prevent memory loss, help with weight control and arrest urinary tract infections. They also include needed vitamins such as Vitamin C, Potassium, and iron. The dietary fiber in one serving of blueberries is the same as a slice of whole wheat bread.

Tannins, found in this delectable berry, are the ingredients found to fight urinary tract infections. Having one serving a day will promote urinary tract health.

They also combat blood clotting in our body and have been linked to clearing arteries for heart problems.

With all these benefits, it still gets better. One-fourth cup of blueberries is only 40 calories. This makes for an excellent addition in our cornflakes in this morning, or adding some to our yogurt for some added flavor.

Another way to add blueberries to our diet is to make wholesome muffins. Blueberry muffins are the perfect snack and breakfast food for the entire family. Is it possible to make a delicious but low fat version? Absolutely! Out of all the low fat muffin recipes available, this is the one you will make over and over again.

Ingredients needed:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats
2 tsp. baking powder
2 lg. egg whites
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup orange concentrate
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 cup unsweetened blueberries

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine egg whites, buttermilk, orange juice concentrate, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the liquid mixture to dry ingredients; blend until mixture is moistened. Spray non-stick cooking spray onto muffin pan. Spoon out mixture into muffin pans until cup in pan is 3/4 full. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. This recipe serves 12 muffins. Enjoy!

Remember, as with any diet, moderation is the key.

http://www.oregonblueberry.com/health.php