Blueberries, A Summer Powerhouse

You may have been seeing a lot more about blueberries popping up on your healthy eating radar as one of those “superfoods.” As more and more research is done into the science of clean, healthy eating, it is becoming increasingly more obvious just how many health benefits Mother Nature packs into natural foods. Blueberries are an excellent example of a perfectly organic, all natural powerhouse of benefits.

Blueberries are superfoods for good reason—they are packed with antioxidants your body needs to combat free radicals absorbed through food, chemicals, and the environment. These free radicals can compromise your immune system and may even result in the failure of the immune system.  The primary polyphenol antioxidant found in blueberries is called pterostilbene (terro-STILL-bene), which is closely related to the more commonly recognized antioxidant resveratrol.

In addition to blueberries, other pterostilbene food sources include cranberries, bilberries, lingonberries, huckleberries, and red grapes. Research does suggest that a diet high in berries (even just a ½-cup serving per day) may help ward off cognitive decline and promote heart health, due to the wide range of antioxidant compounds they contain, which may work synergistically. Berries are also a great source of fiber, which is important for balanced blood sugar, heart health, and gut health.

The Blueberry Role in Losing Weight:

Fiber
Blueberries are a great sources of fiber. Fiber is important for weight loss because its slow absorption into your body makes your metabolism go into overdrive. The more fiber you consume, the more your metabolism has to work and the longer you will feel full. Fruits high in fiber, like blueberries, can be a great support for your weight loss plan because feeling full and satisfied helps keep those snack cravings at bay.  

Vitamin C
Blueberries are loaded with Vitamin C, a nutrient essential to your body’s overall health and to the repair of body tissue. Vitamin C is critical in helping wounds heal and muscles repair. It is also a key nutrient to supporting a healthy immune system.

Low Sugar
Blueberries are one of the fruits low in sugar content. Nearly all fruit contains some level of natural sugar, called fructose, and, while it is better for you than artificial sweeteners or refined sugar, too much will cause your body to store it as fat.  Blueberries make a great fruit to use in your oatmeal, smoothies, or shakes because they add little to no sugar.

Low Calorie
In addition to—and partly because of—their low sugar content, blueberries are also a low-calorie fruit. They are perfect for adding texture, flavor, and sweetness without affecting your caloric intake.

These little berries are versatile and powerful. Don’t be fooled by their size, because they are packed with essential nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial and necessary for a healthy life. Pick up some blueberries and add a little sweetness to your meals before the summer is over. And to extend your ability to enjoy them you can freeze your fresh blueberries or purchase organic, frozen blueberries for your smoothies or compotes.

Yours In Good Health,