By: Community Health Associates

Blueberries are a powerful superfood that you should be eating every single day to stay healthy.

Here Are Just A Few Of The Numerous Benefits That Blueberries Offer:

1. Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids

   • One study found that consuming a cup of blueberries per week could lower blood pressure and perhaps speed up metabolism. Flavinoids are natural compounds that protect brain cells from the damaging effects of oxidation and inflammation, and in turn, this greatly helps to preserve memory.

2. Lowers risk of heart disease

   • Blueberries are known to lower levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol), potentially reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Moreover, a few studies noted reduced blood pressure in obese individuals who were at a high risk for heart disease.

3. Anti-inflammatory properties

   • Eating blueberries every day protects you from free radical damage and inflammation.

4. Lowers risk of aging and cancer

   • Blueberries may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, and several studies have shown that blueberries and blueberry juice can protect against DNA damage, a leading driver of aging and cancer.

5. Rich in vitamin K

   • Blueberries are a rich source of vitamin K, and this vitamin is essential for bones and heart health. Studies suggest that vitamin K is an important aide to vitamin D, and if you’re deficient in one, neither will perform at their best in your body.

6. Anti-diabetic effects

   • Blueberries help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. The anthocyanins in blueberries can have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

How To Incorporate This Superfood Into Your Diet:

1. Make an activity out of it, by going out and picking the freshest in-season blueberries, typically between the months of May and October in Connecticut. Or simply stock up at any time throughout the year from your local grocery store and freeze anything extra.

2. Use dried and frozen alternatives, which are perfect for smoothies any time of the year. Blend with almond butter, bananas, vanilla protein powder, collagen hydrolysate, and almond milk for a nutrient-packed smoothie.

3. Add blueberries to the foods you already eat, such as in your yogurt parfait, cereal, or oatmeal.

4. Toss them into a big mixed salad with mandarin oranges, goat cheese, goji berries and sliced almonds.

5. Add fresh or frozen blueberries to your water, it tastes amazing and it’s super easy.