We have all heard it before, eat your fruits and vegetables. Blueberries in particular will provide you with some fantastic health benefits.the proof:
1. The highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit: Blueberries, being very rich in anti oxidants which boost your immune system and prevent infections.
2. Neutralizes free radicals which can affect disease and aging in the body: Blueberries bring you the brightest ray of hope, they are full of anti oxidants and rank number 1 in the world of anti oxidants.
3. Aid in reducing Belly Fat: The fruit works on rats, which were the test subjects. A blueberry-enriched powder was mixed into the rats' diet, which was either low-fat or high-fat rat chow. After 90 days, the rats with the blueberry-enriched diet had less abdominal fat, lower triglycerides, lower cholesterol and improved fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity.
4. Helps promote urinary tract health: Blueberries can be surprisingly beneficial. It has a compound formed of heavy molecules which inhibits the growth of bacteria. These heavy and big molecules almost wash-off bacteria along the tract, thereby preventing the infection.
5. Been proved to preserve vision: Blueberry extract, high in compounds called anthocyanosides, has been found in clinical studies to slow down visual loss.
6. Brain Health: The anthocyanin, the selenium, the vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, the zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese etc., among others, can prevent and heal neurotic disorders by preventing degeneration and death of neurons, brain-cells and also by restoring health of the central nervous system.
7. Heart Disease: The high fiber content, those brilliant anti oxidants and the ability to dissolve the ‘bad cholesterol’ make the Blueberry an ideal dietary supplement to cure many heart diseases.
8. Constipation & Digestion: While roughage in Blueberries keep away constipation (Of course, a single piece alone will not do. You need to eat a big handful of them), the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose and acids improve digestion.
9. Cancer: Blueberries can prove to be bliss for the cancer patients, for they contain certain compounds like Pterostilbene (excellent remedy for colon and liver cancer) and Ellagic Acid which, in harmony with Anthocyanin and other anti oxidants like vitamin-C and copper, can do miracles to prevent and cure cancer.
10. Other benefits: They keep you fresh, active, fit, sharp, close to nature and in a good mood, as they are very good anti depressants.
Remember, the deeper the color of the Blueberries, the more they are rich in anti oxidants and other medicinal values.
fun blueberry facts:
1. In the US, July is National Blueberry Month
2. In Sweden, dried blueberries are used to treat childhood diarrhea.
3. Blueberry Jelly Bellies were created especially for Ronald Reagan.
blue sangria:
What could be more refreshing than a pitcher of chilled Sangria?32 oz. Blueberry Juice
3 cups cabernet sauvignon
1 cup orange juice
1 16oz (473 mL) can red grapefruit sections (juice and fruit)
2 navel oranges sliced
2 limes sliced
1 lemon sliced
3 fresh peaches, skinned and sliced in eighths
1 cup orange juice
1 16oz (473 mL) can red grapefruit sections (juice and fruit)
2 navel oranges sliced
2 limes sliced
1 lemon sliced
3 fresh peaches, skinned and sliced in eighths
Garnish with fresh or frozen blueberries or blackberries
