I’m a big fan of the blueberry.
Summertime here in the U.S. produces blueberries in abundance. Great as a snack or post-workout shake ingredient, blueberries also pack a punch in the antioxidant and vitamin categories. Plus new research is showing the blueberry to be a real disease assassin as well.
Check out some of the benefits:
1. Cancer Fighter: According to recent research, antioxidant compounds in blueberries work to block tumor growth and inhibit free radical attacks. It’s a combination that appears to attack every cancer stage.
2. Prevent Stroke Damage: a study on rats from the University of Prince Edward Island suggests that eating blueberries protects the brain from damage following a stroke.
3. Protect Against Heart Disease: The University of Maine conducted research on the effects of blueberries in protecting against heart disease. The results confirmed that a diet rich in this “super fruit” does offer protective benefits.
The same U. of Maine study also suggests that eating blueberries helps to supercharge memory and boost learning skills. Along these lines, research done by the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (try saying that five times fast) shows that blueberries may help to “reverse age-related deficits in brain function.” Meaning… there is definite potential here for Alzheimer’s sufferers.
As if all that weren’t enough, blueberries come loaded up with Vitamin C and fiber, which have been shown to bolster health.
Here’s a simple but delicious post-workout (or anytime) shake for you:
Combine eight ounces of milk or orange juice with a handful of frozen blueberries (fresh, but frozen) and a serving of your favorite whey protein in a blender. (I’ve been using the tropical punch flavor of Gold Standard 100% Whey.) Then add in 2 or 3 heaping spoonfuls of full fat greek yogurt.
Blend for about 30 seconds and enjoy!
There’s over 30 grams of protein in this shake, plus you get all the antioxidants, vitamins and fiber from the blueberries… plus a hit of probiotics from the yogurt.
Enjoy them while they last because, as the colder months approach, prices go up and quality goes way down for these babies.
- Mike
Photo: Jennie Faber
Tags: antioxidant, blueberry, health, post workout, wellness
