Health Benefits of Blueberries

This month not only can I find fresh picked blueberries at our local farmer's market, I can pick them right off the 8 bushes we have planted in our backyard. There are lots of good reasons why we include these antioxidant-rich berries in our diet not only in the summer, but year round.

We have a bumper crop of berries this year, thanks to my husband placing some protective netting on the bushes so that the birds didn't get them. There are plenty of berries to freeze for later in the year.

Blueberry Antioxidant

USDA scientists Dr. Ronald Prior and Dr. Guohua Cao have demonstrated that blueberries contain the highest antioxidant capacity of the 40 different fruits and vegetables tested.

"The antioxidant characteristics in blueberries appear to be due largely to anthocyanins," said Dr. Prior, whose has been a key researcher in the role of antioxidants.

The flavonoids in the blueberries are water soluble plant pigments. Flavonoids support health by strengthening capillaries and other connective tissue, and some function as

anti-inflammatory,

antihistaminic, and

antiviral agents.

But this antioxidant rich food contains other important nutrients as well. Blueberries are a source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate and potassium.

Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

We have started replacing an evening bowl of ice cream with different healthy smoothies. Freeze your blueberries and any other fruit you may put in the smoothie first. Ideally use organic produce and organic yogurt with no artificial sweeteners.

To read more about the benefits of blueberries and for our healthy blueberry smoothie recipe click here:

Blueberries Benefits and Healthy Smoothie Recipe

Thanks so much for subscribing to Macular Degeneration News.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision

www.WebRN-MacularDegneration.com

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