The Berry Best: Celebrate National Blueberry Month

With production and nutrition value at the peak of season, along with prices at its lowest levels of the year July is the perfect month to be proclaimed as “National Blueberry Month.” And their great taste isn’t the only thing that makes these berries so special, their health benefits do as well, often putting  them in the category of “superfoods.” Here are some of the reasons why:

ANTIOXIDANT-RICH

When it comes to free radical-fighting antioxidants blueberries pack a serious punch and are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. These antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, anthocyanins, and phenolics are found in blueberries and can help fight the damaging effects of free radicals associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, immune dysfunction, and cancer.

WHERE FIBER MEETS FLAVOR

Some of the potential health benefits of a high-fiber diet include reducing the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, constipation and colon cancer. Unfortunately, many people don’t consume a high-fiber diet.

Recommendations for fiber intake are around 25-30 grams per day. Most American’s only get about half that (around 15 grams). So if you’re searching for a food that offers both flavor and fiber, look no further than the blueberry.

This little berry offers nearly 14% of your daily fiber needs in just one cup along with its great taste.

MORE, MORE, MORE

Besides fiber and antioxidants, more and more studies are showing further benefits from a diet rich with blueberries including their potential anti-aging effect and their ability to reduce the risk of infection, specifically with urinary tract infections (UTIs).

So be sure to grab some the next time you get a chance and enjoy the blueberry in its month of recognition.

WANT IN ON THE FUN?

Want to join in on the festivities surrounding the great tasting and nutrient packed blueberry? Here’s a link to some U-Pick blueberry farms and some of the blueberry festivals happening around the nation this year:

U-Pick Blueberry Farms

Blueberry Festivals of 2011