What Is Tasty, Blue and Helps Erase Wrinkles: The Incredible, Edible Blueberry

Copyright (c) 2011 Monica Shah

Behold the blueberry: one of summer's super foods. A small and mighty nutritional force, the blueberry combines more powerful disease-fighting antioxidants then almost any other fruit or vegetable. Just one serving of blueberries provides as many antioxidants as five servings of carrots, apples, broccoli or squash. In fact, 2/3 cup of blueberries gives you the same antioxidant protection as 1,733 IU of vitamin E and more protection than 1,200 milligrams of vitamin C*. And they taste heavenly with some fresh yogurt and honey!

These antioxidant powerhouses offer extraordinary health and anti-aging benefits. Blueberries have a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, senility, and degenerative eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate 1 cup of blueberries daily significantly increased the level of antioxidants in their blood.

Still not convinced? These little blue jewels also contribute to aging gracefully. They help maintain healthy skin and reduce fine aging lines. And blueberries' benefits aren't only cosmetic: there's evidence that they also reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia in animal studies (human clinical studies are still underway*).

Here are some tips on buying and using blueberries:

*Selection: Look for plump, firm, indigo-blue berries with a silvery frost and avoid berries that look moldy. Be sure to pick the container up to check for freshness in the berries on the bottom.

*Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to one week and only wash the berries just before you are going to eat them. To freeze the berries, scatter washed and dried berries on a cookie sheet in a single layer and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, they can go into zip-lock bags for storage.

*Use: Sprinkle berries on yogurt or over oatmealDrop berries into whole-wheat pancake dough prior to cookingCook berries down to create a blueberry syrupSnack on frozen berries or use them in smoothies

So if you think about it, wouldn't you prefer to eat your way to a healthy lifestyle instead of taking the suppliments? It is really simple to make small changes in your menu that will make a powerful change in your health. Consider adding fresh whole foods to your diet daily and see the amazing results in your skin, hair and entire health.


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Monica Shah helps busy professional women with weight loss and healthy living by giving them simple steps that work no matter how busy they are. Monica put all of her secrets on her "fast track to weight loss and healthy living" MP3. To get the free MP3, please go to www.idealbalanceinc.com/weightloss.html