Many berries are sweetened with sugars to make them palatable but blueberries are naturally sweet and juicy when fully ripe. The flavor of blueberries ranges from mildly sweet to tart (sour) and tangy. Blueberries are best when eaten fresh or frozen, not cooked or processed because cooking destroys vitamin C, eating blueberries raw preserves its antioxidant content. Blueberries are at their best from May through October when they are in season. Blueberries can be added to muffins, fruit salads, yogurt and jams.
Health Benefits:
- Blueberries are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process like memory loss.
- Anthocyanins, the blue-red pigments that give blueberries its color can help enhance the effects of vitamin C, improve capillary integrity, and stabilize the collagen matrix (the ground substance of all body tissues).
- Blueberries may help prevent and even cure some urinary tract infections. These berries also make urine more acidic, which helps destroy bacteria that invade the bladder and urethra.
- Blueberries may help slow the aging process our bodies go through. They are also beneficial for good complexion.
- Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber it is therefore beneficial in weight management and constipation.
- Blueberries have mild antibiotic properties that can fight some strains of E.coli, intestinal bacteria that are common cause of travelers'diarrhea and other infections.
- Blueberries have some anti-inflammatory properties. It is therefore beneficial for people suffering from arthritis.
- Blueberries help remove toxins from the body.
- Blueberries help maintain good vision.
Nutrient Contents:
- Vitamin C: 18.86 mg (per cup)
- Vitamin E: 1.46 mg (per cup)
- Iron: 0.7mg (1/2 cup)
- Manganese: 0.04 mg (per cup)
- Dietary Fiber: 3.92 g (per cup)
- Calories: 40 (1/2 cup)
- Small amount of potassium folate, and beta carotene, the plant form of vitamin A.
Buying Tips:
- Blueberries should be firm and of uniform color.
- The flesh should be covered in a whitish bloom. (This is the natural coating that comes off when they are handled.)
- The berries should be dry - moisture will cause them to rot quickly.
- When buying frozen berries it is important to make sure they are not all clumped together in the bag, as this could indicate previous thawing and freezing.
- Always choose an organic product to avoid the risks of pesticides and preservatives.
Note:
- Eating large amount of blueberries can make stools dark and tarry, which may be mistaken for intestinal bleeding.
- Like many fruits, blueberries are potential allergens in susceptible people. Common symptoms are itchy hives and swollen lips and eyelids.
CREDIT: Len7288@HUB
