Blueberries are not only delicious, but they are also packed full of nutrients and antioxidants that can have a positive impact on your health. Here are just a few of the benefits that blueberries have to offer.
Blueberries may be small, but they sure are mighty. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these berries so bountiful for your health!
Advice from a BLUEBERRY...(yes you read that right):
- Be well rounded.
- Soak up the sun.
- Find beauty in small things.
- Live a fruitful life.
- Be a good pick.
- It’s OK to be a little blue.
- Make sweet memories.
-Ilan Shamir
Well said blueberry. Well said. And if you thought the proudness stops there… behold!
All About Blueberries
These beautifully blue berries are actually one of the few fruit species that are native to North America.
With that said, they have a history that dates back thousands of years ago and were picked by Native Americans for centuries. This is going back to even before colonists arrived from Europe!
Back then, blueberries had a wide range of uses, such as:
Eaten fresh |
Mixed with meat or used as a flavorful rub |
Preserved for winter (dried and used in soups) |
Medicinal uses - juiced to make couch syrup |
Leaves were used to make tea |
Mixed into puddings |
Dye for baskets and clothes |
Made into jellies and jams |
As of current times, the USA now grows over 90% of the world’s blueberry supply after they had been domesticated and cultivated in the early 20th century.
Wow! What a versatile fruit! Not only do blueberries have so many uses, but they are also chock-full of health benefits.
10 Health Benefits of Blueberries
The blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that can provide many health benefits:
1. Packed with fiber - helps your feel fuller longer
2. Full of naturally occurring nutrients called phytochemicals that protect your cells
3. Supreme antioxidant power
4. Gives you an energy boost
5. Have anti-aging nutrients
6. Boosts your brain function and protects you from memory issues
7. Protects your body from free radicals
8. Helps ease inflammation in your body
9. High in nutrients and low in calories
10. High vitamin C levels help your immune system
One of the most important benefits of blueberries is their positive impact on brain health. Blueberries have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory, and they may also help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
This is thanks to the high levels of anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants, in blueberries.
Blueberries are also good for your heart. They can help reduce blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while also increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels. The anthocyanins in blueberries may also help reduce inflammation, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Blueberry Recipes
Bless your body with the benefits of blueberries with these natural and delicious eats:
Blueberry Jam
- 4 cups of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Cook blueberries on low heat in a saucepan until they start to thicken. Pour into a glass jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
Blueberry Blast Smoothie
- 1 cup frozen blueberries (preferably organic)
- 1 banana, frozen
- ½ cup of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon raw almond butter
- Water (add slowly until you reach your desired consistency)
Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth - Enjoy!
Simple Snack
As you can see, blueberries offer a wide range of health benefits. So, next time you're looking for a healthy snack, reach for some blueberries instead of unhealthy junk food! Your body will thank you.
- Frozen blueberries (it’s that easy… OH SO tastefully refreshing!)
- Dried blueberries (easy for on the go!)
More Blueberry Uses:
It’s a breeze to add blueberries into your daily meal plans with these simple ideas:
- Add a handful to your salad
- Mix them into your healthy homemade pancake batter
- Use them as a yogurt topping
- Put blueberries into your morning oatmeal
- Add them to your favorite homemade energy bar recipe
- Make them into muffins
- Blend and mold them with coconut milk to make popsicles
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More Natural Health Posts To Enjoy:
- Top 10 Benefits of Juicing for Natural Health
- 6 All-Natural Sleep Remedies for Insomnia
- 7 Benefits of Lime Water You Need in Your Life
- 3 Amazing Smoothie Recipes That Will Energize Your Morning
Author Bio: Lindsay Sibson |
World Traveler. Writer. Lifestyle Design Enthusiast. Minimalist. Adventurer. |