Eat Your Blues, Baby

Yummy Blueberries!

Eating a wide variety of color foods is important for a healthy diet. A plate that resembles an artist palate is sure to provide optimal health as green, red, yellow and brown are staple colors that can provide a full range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. And, if your interest is in aging gracefully and keep your mind a powerhouse of information, don’t forget to eat your blues; in particular BLUEBERRIES!

Look at what the powerful little Blueberry boasts as some of its health-promoting benefits:

~Improved Vision

~Enhanced Memory

~Clearing of Arteries

~Stops Urinary Tract Infections

~Reverses Age-related Physical and Mental Declines

~Promotes Weight Control

~Strengthens Blood Vessels

~Lowers the risk of some cancers

~Natural Anti-inflammatory

Research has found that blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. The pigment (anthocyanin) that makes blueberries blue is thought to be the responsible factor. When it comes to brain protection, there’s nothing quite like blueberries according to Tufts neuroscientist James Joseph as recounted in Newsweek (6/17/02). “I call the blueberry the brain berry,” says Joseph, who attributes the effects to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

It has also been known by researchers, nutritionists and doctors that blueberries are rich in phytochemicals that have anti-aging effects. Berries, in general, are nutrient-dense and offer a lot of bang for the buck, but blueberries, in particular, have protective effects for brain health in later life. So, as you can see, eating your blues not only tastes great, but will reward your body and brain with superior nutrition that will have affects that last a lifetime.

The best part?  They are low in calories!  In a 1/2 cup serving (that’s a lot of blueberries!) you’ll only take in 40 calories! And you’ll get loads of potassium, iron, vitamin C plus 2 grams of fiber!

Add blueberries (local, fresh and organic preferred) to your cereal, yogurt or salads, or pack ‘em and snack ‘em all day at work. They are divinely yummy and your body will thank you!

Eat Your Blues, Baby!