Thanks Tracey Garcia Labi for reminding me that she was waiting to hear about blueberries! This September, I had the pleasure to learn from Dr. John Bagnulo, pre-eminent blueberry researcher, and mastermind regarding food as medicine. Blueberries are a good source of fiber, manganese, and vitamins K and C. Blueberries contain the highest levels of antioxidants of all fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. They include the anthocyanins, the rich source of blue, purple and red colors; hydroxycinnaminic and hydroxybenzoic acids; flavenoids like quercitin and kaempferol; and the superstar resveratrol. These phytonutrients protect every cell in the body from the damaging effects of oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies reveal the benefits of blueberries on all markers of cardiovascular health (reduction of serum lipids, blood pressure, oxidative damage to endothelial lining), as well as protection against cancer, age-related macular degeneration, intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis, joint inflammation, etc. There is great research on the neuroprotective effects of blueberries, and their benefit on memory and other markers of cognitive function. Eating blueberries organic and raw preserves the optimum levels of nutrients, though frozen blueberries do retain much of their antioxidant effects. Blueberries are among the top 12 foods likely to have high levels of pesticides (EWGs Dirty Dozen), another reason to chose organic when possible. Blueberries are fabulous in smoothies, yogurt, cereals, pancakes, and of course baked into muffins, cakes and pies. Give yourself the life-supporting gift of blueberries everyday. Food for thought!
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 04:09:45 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015