Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet. Their high antioxidant content has given them the status of superfruit and more Americans are taking notice of the considerable health benefits this deeply colored fruit has to offer. The phytochemicals found in blueberries are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. Even more exciting are the brain protective and memory boosting effects associated with the anthocyanins found in blueberries. There’s no doubt that the health benefits of fresh blueberries are compelling. Would you like to get more of this healthy fruit in your diet? Here’s how.
Get the power of fresh blueberries: Use them as an ice cream topping.
It’s easy to make a delicious blueberry syrup topping for ice cream. Simply place a cup of fresh blueberries into a blender or food processor and lightly puree them. Place the pureed blueberries into a saucepan and heat the mixture until it thickens slightly. Add sugar or another sweetener to taste. You can also add a little apple juice to thin the puree slightly while simmering. Add this nutritious topping to your next bowl of vanilla ice cream and you won’t feel so guilty!
Get the power of fresh blueberries: Dry them.
If you have a dehydrator, place a cup of fresh blueberries inside and leave them for six to eight hours. You’ll have dried blueberries to add to your oatmeal as well as dried berries to make your own homemade trail mix and granola.
Get the power of fresh blueberries: Add them to salads.
Adding fresh or dried blueberries to salads are a great way to get more anxioxidant power in each bite. Sprinkle them onto a garden salad or use them to make a healthy blueberry vinegar based salad dressing. Sprinkle them into chicken salad for added flavor and nutrition.
Get the power of fresh blueberries: Drink them.
If you have a juicer, make fresh blueberry juice and sip it over ice as a tasty morning beverage to boost brain power. If you don’t have a juicer, toss some into a blender along with milk and frozen yogurt to create a delicious smoothie.
Get the power of fresh blueberries: Add them to yogurt.
Stir them into a fresh cup of vanilla yogurt or create a parfait by layering them with granola, blueberries, and nuts. This makes a healthy and energizing breakfast.
Get the power of fresh blueberries: Another alternative.
If you want the health benefits of blueberries but don’t have time to prepare fresh ones, buy a blueberry concentrate, available at many health food stores, and stir it into a glass of milk or a bowl of oatmeal in the morning.
Get creative and you’ll find dozens of ways to add the health benefits of blueberries to your daily diet. Enjoy the power of this amazing superfruit!
