Monday, July 12, 2010

Benefits of the Blueberry

I love summer for lots of reasons, but lately I'm loving it for all the wonderful fresh fruit! I've been on a blueberry kick the past month. I was also excited to find out that Michigan, my future home state, is one of the largest blueberry producing states. If you need other incentives other than great flavor to add the lushish blueberry into your diet, here are the top ten health benefits provided by the blueberry according to Women Fitness!

1. They have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit.
2. Neutralize free radicals, which can affect the disease and aging of the body.
3. Aid in reducing belly fat. (remember, belly fat is the worst kind of fat...it is hard on your internal organs!)
4. Helps promote urinary tract health. I would explain how the berries help, but it is pretty "science-y"
5. Been proved to preserve vision.
6. Brain health. The good stuff in the berry helps prevent degeneration and death of neurons.
7. Heart disease prevention. High fiber content helps dissolve bad cholesterol!
8. Constipation and digestion benefits.
9. Cancer prevention.
10. They keep you fresh, active, fit, sharp and close to nature!

Enjoy summer time and hit up your local farmer's market for some wonderful summer fruit!

3 comments:

  1. ooh, I love blueberries! I've got a cup of them with me in my lunch today at work - I'm thinking I'll be busting them out a bit early for a mid-morning snack instead...here I go!

    Thanks for sharing all this information, I knew they were healthy but it's great seeing all the real reasons behind the claim.

    I've also got cherries with me - are they particularly healthy in any unique ways?

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  2. When blueberries are out-of-season I recommend Wyman's frozen Wild Blueberries. They are darker blue, hence even more anti-oxidants. I eat them (and their frozen raspberries) as part of my breakfast every day.

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  3. Yum! I have been eating a mix of blueberries and raspberries with a little mascarpone cheese and tiny bit of raw honey. Delish!!

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