Here's more good news on how nature can help you prevent and reverse chronic disease. Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories. Health experts recommend eating at least three servings of fresh fruit daily. Smoothies are a great way to quickly add several servings of fresh fruit to your daily menu.
Food researchers have made many surprising discoveries on the health benefits of blueberries. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries all contain powerful phytochemicals that fight cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and more. Antioxidants are known to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. In a USDA Human Nutrition Research Center laboratory, neuroscientists discovered that feeding blueberries to laboratory rats slowed age-related loss in their mental capacity, a finding that has important implications for humans.
Blueberries are rich in Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene as well as rich in the minerals potassium, manganese, magnesium. Feeding of diets enriched in lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) for six weeks decreases stroke severity in rats. Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (Boston, MA), blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Studies have also suggested that blueberries can help to strengthen eyesight and reduce cholesterol. The nutritional value of blueberries makes them one of the best foods we can eat.
One half cup of blueberries has about 40 calories. Frozen blueberries make a nutritious, lavender-hued smoothie. To make a quick Blueberry Smoothie First add 1/2 cup of your favorite fruit juice and 1/2 cup of plain or vanilla low-fat yogurt to your blender. Then add 3/4 cup of fresh or fresh frozen blueberries and ½ cup crushed ice then blend until smooth. Using unsweetened fruit juice is the most nutritious method.
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