Why Blueberries Deserve a Place on Your Plate
Although we commonly relegate these blue beauties to coffee shop muffins, here are just a few reasons why blueberries deserve to command a little more respect in your daily diet and maybe even become the star of their own show:
1) It’s true what they say about blueberries and antioxidants.
They’re not just a good source of antioxidants – they are the best. Blueberries are ranked #1 in this department out of all fruits. This is good news for your efforts to naturally prevent heart disease, diabetes, cancer as well as muscle and tissue degeneration.
2) A delicious way to get more fiber.
Fiber helps to control blood sugar levels, cholesterol, as well as weight. Plus, it assists in enhancing digestion and keeps our hearts healthy. Yes please!
3) Keep your bladder healthy.
We ladies know the benefits of cranberries to help stave off UTIs, but were you aware that blueberries offer similar protection? They do so by helping prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract.
4) Good for your brain.
The antioxidants found in blueberries are linked to protecting your neurons, which is why certain Montreal-based scientists believe that blueberry juice will be looked to for developing treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and age-related memory problems.
5) Support for your eyes.
The retina of the eye is prone to oxidative stress. The powerful antioxidant punch that blueberries pack helps protect this part of the eye from that stress as well as from damage caused by sunlight.
6) You can buy them frozen and they’re still good for you!
We know that fresh fruits and vegetables are the best way to go. But for those of us who may be a little frustrated after having looked in the fridge to see, yet again, that layer of fuzz moving in on our 2-day-old carton of berries, frozen options seem better and better. While freshly picked produce will always reign supreme, you can take comfort in knowing that new studies show freezing blueberries does little to damage their delicate antioxidants.
So incorporate these beauties to your diet by adding them to cereals, smoothies or even salads. Or pour yourself a bowl and enjoy as an anytime snack. Your body will thank you!
