Picture this: a sunny summer day, a delightful walk & a handful of freshly picked blueberries. That is what I hope for you this week.
I thought it might be helpful & interesting to touch on the health benefits of some seasonal produce we are enjoying this summer.
I am a sucker for getting into the nitty gritty of food science – particularly what makes food actually good for you and your health. I think there’s so much value in knowing why a food is good for you, what nutrients it contains and what those nutrients can do for you. When you know why something is good for you, it’s a heck of a lot easier to eat it and even more motivating to go find a local source of it.
Maybe some of these blueberry health benefits below will help you see blueberries differently than you did before. Just maybe!
With the summer season taking its last bend in the month of August, I hope you’ll find somewhere nearby to pick some fresh blueberries before we move into fall. Or, at the least, grab a carton of blueberries from your local market and enjoy them. If you’re looking for a delicious vessel for these little blue gems, check out this arugula blueberry salad or indulge a little with this blueberry breakfast cake.
Alright! Here’s a short summary of blueberry health benefits cause nobody’s got time to read a thesis on blueberries. Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Blueberries
- super high level of antioxidants – regulate oxidative stress & help protect cells from damage
- high level of vitamin C – essential for proper immune function & skin health
- good source of soluble fiber – good for the gut & digestive tract
- great for skin due to high anthocyanin levels (type of phytochemical)
- beneficial for blood sugar regulation (increases insulin sensitivity)
- beneficial for heart health (due to high level of flavonoids which inhibit the “bad” cholesterol LDL)
- beneficial for brain health (flavonoid-rich foods support brain function & memory)
- can satisfy a sweet craving without going off the deep end
I hope you enjoyed this quick dive into the health benefits of this sweet and juicy fruit! Go get eatin’ some blueberries, friends!
Blueberry Recipes:
What’s in season this month?
If you’re interested in finding out what’s in season this month, check out my seasonal produce guide! I make a new guide each month with a list of in-season fruits, vegetables and herbs. Seasonal foods are loaded with nutrients and flavor. Grab this month’s guide right here!