Today I had my first local blueberries. From blueberry salsa to blueberry muffins to just plain blueberries, I’m going to enjoy every minute of our local three week (depending on the heat) season and then another few weeks as local becomes PA and NJ.
I love blueberries not just because they taste good but they are a health packed incredible super food.
Whether it’s an aging brain, a tumor cell, high blood pressure, persistent urinary tract infections or your weight, this food’s for you.
Research from Harvard and East Anglia University has shown blueberries work as a prevention of high blood pressure. Just 1 serving per week reduces your change by 10%.
Research at Texas Woman’s University showed blueberries, which contain polyphenols, “inhibit a critical path leading to obesity at the molecular level” and “inhibit the creation of new fat cells by altering lipid metabolism”.
Research last year from of City of Hope in LA showed blueberry extract appeared to stop cancer cell growth in triple negative breast cancers. More research is underway but based on animal studies, 2 cups a day appear to show promise.
Blueberries contain the same compounds as cranberries (and taste a heck of lot better). A Rutgers study showed these compounds “reduce the ability of E coli (the most common bacteria causing UTI’s) to attach to the mucosal lining.
It’s the anthocyanins, a powerful flavanoid antioxidant, in blueberries and other blue and red fruits and vegetables that make blueberries such a superfood. There is also evidence that these anthocyanins help in fighting brain aging, cognitive decline and Parkinsons (as reported this year at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting) by protecting the brain from oxidative stress.
If all this isn’t reason enough to eat a cup of blueberries daily, try my Blueberry Salsa recipe above under articles.
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