Are Blueberries the New Wonder Food?

I think they're wonderful. One of my favourite breakfasts on a cold winter day is organic oatmeal with a scoop of organic whey protein powder and a half cup of frozen blueberries. Yum and it sticks to the ribs for a few hours.

It isn't new news that blueberries are a wonder food. But recently more of my clients have been jumping on the blueberry wagon so I thought I ought to explain in more detail why they're a super food:

"Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins, the blue-red pigments found in blueberries, improve the integrity of support structures in the veins and entire vascular system. Anthocyanins have been shown to enhance the effects of vitamin C, improve capillary integrity, and stabilize the collagen matrix (the ground substance of all body tissues). They work their protective magic by preventing free-radical damage, inhibiting enzymes from cleaving the collagen matrix, and directly cross-linking with collagen fibers to form a more stable collagen matrix." Taken from World's Healthiest Foods

One of the health bloggers I respect the most is Tara Parker-Pope at the New York Times. Her blog is titled Well. Back in 2008 she included blueberries in her list of 11 Best Foods You Aren't Eating. But eating fresh blueberries year round can be almost impossible and definitely cost prohibitive for some of us. As long as they are frozen quickly, without much liquid and aren't heated then you can still get loads from the frozen variety. Plus you always have a back up super food in the freezer.

"Frozen blueberries: Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil; associated with better memory in animal studies."

Other than nibbling on blueberries as a snack or throwing them in oatmeal, yogurt or a fruit salad, Tara at Well also wrote about a yummy dessert idea called "Forbidden Rick Pudding with Blueberries". I saw the recipe and thought I'd have to try it out for a dinner party. The deal with rice pudding is that like with any 'treat' you want to limit portion size. But this recipe is used with black rice and has the ability to wow. One cup of blueberries are only about 83 calories.

Can't wait for blueberry season to hit early July even up until late August. Thinking about a visit to a upick place for a fun outing. Here's a great link to a list of upicks close to the GTA.