Roses are red, blueberries are blue

Cheesy title, right? That's what I was going for.

Let's get to the point: blueberries. You know.. those little blue fruits that are in the produce section. (The what, you say?) You heard me. The part of the grocery store you see as soon as you walk in - FULL of delicious vegetables and fruits. The most important part of the grocery store. (How dare I?) It's cool. Don't hate me because I love produce. You're missing out, I promise!

Blueberries are in season between May and August, meaning they are delicious and at their peak nutritious value. SCORE! Here are some health benefits you get from this super fruit. 

Antioxidants

Blueberries contain the highest value of antioxidants of all fresh fruit. This is a good thing. Why? Because antioxidants neutralize free radicals: cancer-causing, havoc-wreaking, bad guys. Blueberries also boost your immune system, helping to prevent things like the flu (ick.). A strong immune system is obviously very important. 

Also, back to free radicals: your body releases them when you exercise. "WHAT?! You're telling me that exercise causes cancer?" Didn't say that. Sure didn't. 

Free radicals are molecules containing oxygen atoms that attack cells in our bodies, and we produce more of these "bad guys" when we exercise. Research has linked free radicals with cell death, aging, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and other conditions that you haven't penciled into your appointment book. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E are said to offset the effect of free radicals, and there's no shortage of experts who advise that we should therefore consume tubs of supplements to save ourselves. - Amy Burfoot, Runner's World, 7/7/2006

Although, the above seems just terrible. Dr. David Neiman, marathoner, ultra marathoner, and professor of exercise science at Appalachian State says: "The body produces plenty of endogenous [inside the body] antioxidant enzymes to deal with free radicals.The body is equipped with a sophisticated defense system that is quite efficient in eliminating most of the radicals," he wrote. "The more you exercise, the more your body turns into a strong fortress against the onslaught of free radicals."

That's good news, folks. And, one reason why regular exercisers tend to live longer than non-exercisers. Keep running, my friends.

Blueberries are also a cancer-fighting food. 

Aid in Reducing Belly Fat

Some studies suggest that eating blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Some health professionals recommend eating one serving of blueberries daily when on a weight loss plan. I suggest eating them daily for overall health benefits.

Urinary Tract Health

Oh what fun to talk about. Apparently blueberries can prevent and reverse infections of the urinary tract by fighting bacteria that cause cool things like inflammation and burning. Nobody wants that.

Preserve Vision

I don't know about you, but I like to see. Blueberries are high in compounds called anthocyanosides, which have been shown to slow down visual loss, macular degeneration, cataracts, myopia, dryness, infections, etc. Need I say more?

Healthy Brain

Pretty important, I'd say. Vitamins, minerals, and compounds in blueberries can prevent and heal  neurotic disorders by preventing degeneration and death of neurons, brain cells, and the central nervous system (brain & spinal cord). This could mean prevention and/or reversal of Alzheimer's disease and  memory loss. A diet rich in blueberries could also improve learning capabilities and motor skills. Neat.

Constipation & Digestion

Sounds lovely, doesn't it? Blueberries contain fiber. Fiber is good, especially for preventing constipation. Vitamins and minerals in blueberries aid in digestion. 

With all of that being said, go get yourself some blueberries!! They really are delicious.
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Recipe: Blueberry + Yogurt Smoothie (Martha Stewart Whole Living)

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh (or frozen) blueberries

1 banana

1 cup low-fat plain yogurt

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. 

Nutritional info:

138 calories per serving

2 servings per recipe: share with someone you love! :)

[Citations & Quotes: http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm]