By Samantha
First of all, blueberries are delicious. Two of my favorite breakfast meals (aside from smoothies) include blueberries:
1. Overnight oats: granola, frozen blueberries, chia seeds, and milk soaked overnight ready to enjoy cold the next morning.
2. Blueberry protein pancakes: 2 eggs, one mashed banana, fresh blueberries cooked over coconut oil for a light take on blueberry pancakes.
Blueberries are the easiest way for me to “dress up” some otherwise lackluster meals. For smoothies, sometimes a spinach and carrot smoothie isn’t the first thing I want to taste in the morning. By adding blueberries, I have a more delightful taste to my smoothie (while also sneaking in a fruit serving with two vegetable servings). Now I do this because I love the taste but also blueberries are known for being a super health food. Blueberries provide your body with magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Fiber helps reduce bad cholesterol thus contributing to heart health. Magnesium aids in calming mental stimulation and anxiety. Calcium supports the integrity of your bones.
From a weight loss perspective, blueberries are naturally low in calories their insoluble fiber aids your digestive system into regularity. Not only is your body no longer holding onto gunk in your digestive track, that same fiber keeps you feeling fuller for a longer period of time thus helping you resist the urge to snack or overeat. From an aging perspective, blueberries contain antioxidants like vitamin C that defend your body against free radicals that can not only harm your internal healthy but also your external. Our skin is exposed to pollutants, irritants, and UV rays every day. Sometimes it is not enough to arm yourself with SPF every day. With blueberries (and other foods) you can protect your body from the inside out.
