Healing Foods
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Blueberries are So Good
and So Good for You!
and So Good for You!
Blueberries are full of flavor and nutrition while being very low in calories. Their flavor ranges from slightly sweet to tangy. They grow in clusters and can be as small as a pea or as large as a marble. Blueberries come from the same family as cranberries, azaleas, and rhododendron.
Blueberries are native to North America where they grow throughout the woods and mountainous regions of the United States and Canada. Here in the United States, blueberries are in season from July through October.
Blueberries very high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Manganese, Fiber and plain old mystical goodness. Many researchers including the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center and Rutgers University have concluded that blueberries are packed with antioxidants called anthocyanidins and phelolics, which neutralizes free radicals and protects the body from chronic diseases associated with aging.
Many other health benefits include improved cardiovascular system, healthier elimination, and protection against ovarian and colon cancer.
When shopping for blueberries look for very blue berries, large, plump, firm and uniform in size. Any other colored berries will be tart. Moisture can cause the berries to become moldy so to prevent this from happening, they should be dried and stored in the refrigerator before using them. Blueberries can be stored for up to two weeks as long as they are refrigerated and dry.
Here is a great nutritious snack to get your blueberry juices flowing:
Blueberry Granola Bars
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 ½ cups quick cooking oats
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, oil and cinnamon. Bring to boil and boil for 2 minutes, do not stir. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats and blueberries. Stir honey mixture until thoroughly blended. Spread into prepared pan, gently pressing mixture flat. Bake until lightly browned, about 40 minutes. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, Cut into 1 ½ x 3 inch bars.
Yields 18 bars
Per Portion: 97 calories, 1g fat, 1g protein, 3g fat,
17g carbohydrate, 3g sodium
17g carbohydrate, 3g sodium
Articles and recipes by Basha Leah (Bonnie) Gerszt. Basha Leah is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and is currently writing a cookbook on Kosher cooking for the holidays.
