Did you know about all the amazing health benefits that blueberries offer?
Known as one of nature’s most powerful fruits, these little guys definitely don’t get the credit they deserve for doing so much to help us live a healthier and more productive life.
For starters, they are packed with antioxidants. They actually have the highest antioxidant capacity of any other fruit or vegetable in the world!
But why is this important?
Antioxidants are responsible for protecting our body from “free radicals”. These are a group of unstable molecules that can damage cellular structure, contributing to the acceleration of the aging process and the development of diseases like cancer.
Studies show blueberries protect cholesterol in our blood from being damaged. They also help reduce high blood pressure and may even help to prevent heart disease! Think of blueberries as the superhero of the story. As antioxidants, they fight crime in the form of free radicals in your body, keeping you in homeostasis (balance) and free of disease.
One cup of blueberries contains only 15 grams of sugar. This is lower than most fruits and can actually improve insulin sensitivity for those with type 2 diabetes. They also prevent it from developing in those who do not.
I love snacking on blueberries! I usually take a big handful and eat them before I study, as they are known to improve brain function. Also, I love making post-workout shakes with blueberries, as they decrease muscle soreness and fatigue due to local inflammation and oxidative stress in the muscle tissue.
With so many health benefits, it would be crazy not to take advantage of one of nature’s most powerful fruits – blueberries!
Steel Cut Oats
Incorporating blueberries into your diet:
There are so many ways to incorporate blueberries into your diet. One of my favorite ways is making overnight oats and adding blueberries as a sweet topper to help enhance the flavor of everything. But there are hundreds of recipes that we could also explore. From blueberry pancakes and muffins (both mixed in with a nice protein-enhanced batter such as the Kodiak brand), adding them to a nice yogurt parfait or as a topping to your cereal, these super berries will help boost your diet with the much-needed micronutrients to perform at optimum levels.
How to properly store them:
Worried that your blueberries may expire before you’re ready to use them? Place your unused blueberries in an airtight container, date the container, and place them in the freezer for up to 8 months. They are such a resilient and versatile fruit that can enhance the flavor of so many different dishes and entrees with natural sugars. Allow yourself to indulge without guilt. Grab yourself a cup of blueberries, and enjoy!
