National Blueberry Month

The entire month of July is set aside for the wonderfully healthy blueberry.  It turns out that the blueberry is one of the healthiest fruits for us!

According to dietitian, Julia Zumpany, RD, LD from the Cleveland Clinic, “Studies have shown that they help against aging, cancer and damage to your DNA.”  Julia actually feels that there is no downside to eating fresh, uncooked blueberries.

Benefits of blueberries:

• High in antioxidants – helps with stress.  “Antioxidants create a barrier or a shield around a cell to help protect it from being damaged.”
• Packed with vitamins and minerals 
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Manganese
  • Dietary fiber
• Can help manage cholesterol – high in soluble fiber

Some studies have shown that if you eat blueberries it can reduce your blood sugar.  In addition, it may help reduce your blood pressure if you live with metabolic syndrome. 

Tips from Julia:

You should eat raw, fresh, organic blueberries.  These are the best.  Be careful of exposure to heat as that can damage the antioxidants.

If you cannot get organic blueberries, she recommends that you soak them for a couple of minutes in water with a dash of lemon.  

Private Home Health Care is so happy that it’s summer so you can get the freshest blueberries!  Try eating blueberries on cereal, in hot oatmeal and in smoothies.  A bowl of milk and blueberries is delicious too.  Enjoy!

#NationalBlueberryMonth