Get a boost of blue

By Taylor Sutton, MS, RD

United Supermarkets’ Lifestyle Desk

If you are looking for a super fruit to incorporate into your diet, look no further than the blueberry! Not everyone realizes how good blueberries can be for your body, so 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, red color and can help drive improvement in brain function.

When you think about brain function what comes to mind for you? For many of us, it’s focus and memory. And, if you’re like most people, you can use a little help in that area. The best part about blueberries is that it doesn’t take a ton of them to have an impact on your body and brain if you incorporate them into your regular diet. Just one cup of blueberries a day gives you all of the following benefits:

  • It counts as a serving of fruit
  • It contains only 80 calories
  • It’s a good source of fiber, containing 4g
  • And it has other wonderful nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and phytonutrients called polyphenols

The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. That 1 cup of blueberries can be extremely helpful in getting to that count each day! If you can follow that guideline, those daily 5-9 sergvings of fruits and vegetables have been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Outside of brain health, blueberry research is also looking at helping other aspects of your health. Areas of research are also looking at cardiovascular health, brain 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!

Still in need of more breakfast inspro? We love this take on a fun and nutrient packed grain bowl.

Nutrient Packed Grain Bowl

What You Need

1/2 c. quinoa

1 c. ultrafiltered skim milk

1/3 c. water

1 1/2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

1/2 c. blueberries

1/2 c. strawberries

1/4 c. Walnuts

How It’s Made

1. Over medium-high heat, place a pot with milk, water, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt in it and bring to a small point.

2. Stir in quinoa and reduce heat to low with the lid on.

3. Check in 10 minutes to fluff with a fork.

4. Serve quinoa evenly between 4 bowls.