With the New Year in full effect, there is little doubt that you have run into articles talking about the latest list of superfoods.  It seems like in recent years that this list of superfoods has become more exotic and impossible to attain.

So, we thought we’d remind you on a superfood that is easily attainable and available all year around either fresh or in your grocery’s freezer – the blueberry.  Dr. Ronald Prior said in a 1998 research study conducted at Tufts University that “[b]lueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidant phytonutrients of the fresh fruits and vegetables we have studied.”  (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 46, no. 7).

The Blueberry’s Benefits Include:

• Clears/Cleans arteries
• Improves vision
• Rich in iron
• Helps to clear the digestive track
• Reverses the aging process
• Protects against disease because of the concentration of antioxidants
• Promotes weight control
• Stops urinary tract infections
• Enhances memory

As with other superfoods, adding the blueberry to your diet is always a tasty treat.  However, because of the availability of the blueberry, it is much easier to add to your daily diet. 

You can use the blueberry to compliment many snacks and desserts. 

How to Use the Blueberry in Your Diet:

• Freeze blueberries and use them in a smoothie or add them to your favorite drink to add texture to your drink
• Heat blueberries with your syrup and then eat them with waffles, pancakes or french toast
• Scoop some blueberries into your yogurt with granola
• Drop some blueberries on your morning oatmeal or cereal
• Add dried blueberries to trail mix, chicken salad or in protein bars

If you are looking for additional blueberry recipes, you might check out the Oregon Blueberry site.

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Bilberry- also known as: European blueberry, Huckleberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium corymbosum

A close relative to the blueberry (as you can tell in the photo), the fruit has impressive antioxidant properties and is historically linked to eye health. Studies indicate that the berry, with its abundance of antioxidants, may also be effetive in protecting the body against carcinogens and free radicals.

Some of its nutritional highlights include:

• Flavonoids
• Anthocyanins
• Resveratol

The berry can help with:

• Eye Problems
• Arthritis
• Heart Attack and Stroke
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea and Dysentery

A study done in Canada in 2006, found that the berry can help and may be able to prevent and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinson’s), mainly due to its antioxidant powers.

Do you know some fun facts about the Bilberry?  If so, leave a comment and share them with us!

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