By Taylor Sutton, MS, RD
United Supermarkets’ Lifestyle Desk
Blueberries are in season right now! And, if you aren’t tasting the sweet flavor of in-season blueberries, then you are missing out! Blueberries are not only delicious, but quite the nutritional powerhouse.
So, with that in mind, let’s boost your blueberry knowledge!
Did you know that blueberries help support brain health? While there are many foods that can be attributed to that, blueberries are a good source of those anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are plant compounds that are responsible for the blue, purple, and red color you see in fruits. They can also help drive improvement in brain function. When you think about brain function, what comes to mind? For us, it’s memory and focus. Those are some important aspects of brain function that we want to keep in good shape for as long we can. So, blueberries are going to be your best friend!
The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, including blueberries. That has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Aside from brain health, research around the benefits of blueberries is looking at how it impacts other aspects of your health. Researchers are also looking at the impact they have on cardiovascular health, exercise, insulin response, and gut health.
Whether you are grabbing fresh or frozen blueberries, they are equally nutritious and have so many uses to fulfill your needs.
Did you know that 1 cup of blueberries:
- Counts as 1 serving of fruit
- Contains 80 calories
- Is a good source of fiber, containing 4g
- Has other wonderful nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and phytonutrients called polyphenols
Make-Ahead Blueberry Pancake
What You Need
- 2 cups Kodiak Cake Pancake mix
- 1/2 lb pork sausage
- 1 1/3 c. fairlife skim milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 c. canola oil
- 1 cup fruit of choice (blueberries)
How It’s Made
1. Brown sausage.
2. Mix together pancake mix, sausage, milk, eggs and oil.
3. Grease a 13×9 baking dish.
4. Pour mixture into baking dish.
5. Top with fruit.
6. When you’re ready to bake it preheat the oven to 350 degrees and let the casserole sit on the counter uncovered while the oven comes to temp.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
