Feeling a bit blue? Down in the dumps, things not going well? Here is a perfect cure for this. Open up your mouth and then crunch down on a nice fresh blueberry or two. It is not possible to be sad after this taste. Your mouth may be blue, but your mood will improve. They taste so great! Blueberries are packed with wonderful flavor and things that are so good for a person’s health.
Our in-home care professionals want to remind everyone that July is National Blueberry Month. Blueberries are great on oatmeal, superb in salads, and add a nice zing to fruit cocktails. Right next to apple pie, blueberry pie is a real treat. Can you smell it baking? Some of the tastiest things come from Mother Nature in the tiniest packages.
History of the Blueberry
The blueberry is one of nature’s gifts. Nature decided to put seeds of certain plants inside of tasty fruits. When the animals ate them the excrement carried the seeds wide and far, especially when birds liked the taste of the fruits.
Birds love blueberries and humans do also. Because the plant appeared in the wild, and the fruit was so tasty, it spread all over the world. Blueberries grow well in the cooler northern climates and do not do well in the southern tropical areas. This is why blueberries are found in Canada, North America, Northern Europe, England and some parts of North Africa.
Power in Tiny Blueberries
The nutrients in blueberries are outstanding. For a serving size of one cup of raw blueberries (148 grams), Nutritional Data says this:
- No fat
- No trans fat
- No bad cholesterol
- No sodium
- Carbohydrates and Fruit sugars 7% (D.V.)*
- Dietary Fiber at 14% (D.V.)*
- Vitamin C 24% (D.V.)*
*The percentage Daily Values (D.V.) are based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.
OK, so What Else Do Blueberries Have?
Care.com, reports that blueberries also contain these essential micronutrients:
Catechins – Catechins are good for helping fat cells in the abdominal area to burn fat, and help get rid of that unwanted belly fat.
Proanthocyanidins – These are nutrients found in plants that protect the brain of humans from damage by toxins. They also decrease the free radicals that are thought to be responsible for aging. Some of the compounds in blueberries reverse memory loss and improve motor skills so they are very helpful in elderly care.
Ellagic Acid – This is a cancer fighter and protects from genetic damage. It helps the body determine, which cells are bad (cancerous) and, which cells are good. This compound increases the death rate (apoptosis) of bad cells, while leaving the healthy good cells untouched.
Vitamins – The content of Vitamin C is very strong (24% D.V.). Blueberries also contain Vitamin E, Folate, Niacin, and Riboflavin.
Minerals – Blueberries have iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.
Salicylic Acid – Blueberries contain this blood-thinning agent that reduces pain.
Anti-Inflammatory – Micro-nutrients in blueberries reduce heat shock proteins in the brain, which decreases inflammation.
Dopamine – ÂBlueberries increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which make a person feel better and enhances neurotransmitters (brain communication) activity.
For all of your home care needs in Turnersville, NJ and the surrounding areas call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.
Sources:
Blueberry Wikipedia
