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Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most popularly consumed berries in the US — they’re nutrient dense and taste delicious!

Blueberries are small, deep blue, violet colored berries with a sweet yet sometimes tangy flavor. The group of antioxidants called anthocyanins are responsible for their blue color and rich antioxidant levels. There are several varieties of blueberries including highbush (which is the most popular found in our local stores), lowbush (also known as “wild” blueberries) and rabbiteye.

Health Benefits of Blueberries:

Blueberries have been shown to benefit cardiovascular health, cognitive function, eye health, insulin resistance and possess anti-cancer benefits. Because blueberries contain a great amount of fiber and they’re lower in sugar than some other fruits, they are lower on the glycemic index and are great for blood sugar regulation and steady energy.

The antioxidant content of blueberries has also been shown to help improve overall immune support, brain health and nervous system health. Since blueberries help reduce blood fat levels, they’ve been labeled as a “belly fat burning food”, which is also great for digestion and de-bloating our tummies due to the fiber content.

Nutrient Breakdown of Blueberries:

*1 cup

How To Use:

Use as you would any fresh fruit! Add blueberries to yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, porridge, bread, muffins, desserts, smoothies, and salads for a refreshing addition of flavor. Dried blueberries are also great additions to granola and mueslis.

Recipes:

Beet Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Chocolate Bars

Ultimate Blues Smoothie

NS Recommends:

Blueberries are great to have on hand, whether fresh or in frozen form. Blueberries can ripen fairly quickly just as other fresh fruits, so store them in the fridge and if they start to become too ripe, put them in a container and freeze for later.