Brilliant Bountiful Super-food Blueberries

Fresh raw organic fruits and vegetables are without a doubt some of the best nutrient rich foods you can treat your body to. Each one offers their own contribution in the way of antioxidants in the war against aging but deep colored berries rise to the top of the list and the reasons are not unfounded.

Local berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are joined by their exotic cousins from all over the world as super-fruits that take front and center stage. Sure, dark leafy greens along with citrus fruits receive their share of the accolades, but deeply colored berries beat out other fruits to take center stage.

For example, anthocyanin is an antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure while improving blood vessel function and it seems that colorful berries (like other blue and red fruits and veggies) sport high concentrations of this antioxidant.

In recent times more exotic blends of berries have begun to show up show up in health food stores and other venues. These might include acai berry, acerola cherry, goji berry, maqui berry and noni berry. While all these exotic berries off excellent nutritional value and super anti-oxidants let’s not forget about the loyal blueberry that has been providing us with super-nutrition while getting little back in the way of attention and accolades…until recently.

Blueberries are second only to strawberries in terms of consumption, so it’s important to take a look at what blueberries offer in the way of defense against cancer and other diseases since they are so prevalent in our diets. According to Laura Newton, M.A.Ed., R.D., an associate professor at the Department of Nutrition Sciences (and also a licensed dietitian) works with cancer patients and studies reveal that antioxidants such as anthocyanin’s found in blueberries may be key to fighting the free-radical damage associated with cancer.

But the health benefits of blueberries don’t stop there, they are rich in vitamin C that supports the immune system and help the body to absorb iron. Vitamin C is important to cancer patients because it helps to keep blood vessels firm offering protection from bruising. Besides their antioxidant capacities, research suggests that blueberries can also reduce memory decline, reduce the risk of heart attack while providing incredible anti-aging benefits.

Like all fruits and fresh vegetables, blueberries need to be enjoyed in their freshest state possible so that you gain the most nutrition from them. Because they have gained a high reputation for boosting health and healing properties, many food companies have jumped on the band-wagon and now add them to packaged products. But, buyer beware…most of these products are just using the name “blueberries” to snag your attention…what they are giving you are nothing but fake blueberries with little to no nutritional value. The same goes for processed juices…the nutritional value they offer is slim at best because most juices also have added sugars or even worse, high fructose corn syrup.

Blueberries not only offer vitamin C but K as well and they are a super source of manganese and dietary fiber with only contain 80 calories per cup. Although as many as 38 states grow blueberries in the U.S. alone, many of them test positive for different pesticide residues so like any other fresh foods you purchase you need to purchase organic whenever possible.

Sometimes it’s hard to spring for that extra cost of organic foods when budgets are tight…I totally get that. But, you just need to change your frame of reference…your perceptions. If organic seems too expensive at the time think of it this way…you are either going to spend your money on the front end of your health journey in which case you are in preventive mode or you will spend your money on the back-end trying to cure cancer or some other disease that chemical additives played a role in feeding.

Bottom line is you are worth that extra money because that extra money could well hold your health in the balance.

Knowledge is always power…if you would like to find out if you have an invisible threat hanging over your head you can take my FREE “at risk for cancer” test. Make today the day you turn your life and your health around.