Blueberry health benefits and recipes

Blueberries are a very versitile fruit. Not only are they delicious in theiir own right but they make great, juices, jellies, jams, desserts, pancakes and muffins, just to name a few.  They also have some really great health benefits.

1. Blueberries neutralizes fee radicals that can affect disease and aging in the body

2. They aid in the reduction of belly fat, lower triglycerides, and lower cholesterol.

3. Help promote urinary tract health by inhibiting the growth of bacteria along the lining of the urinary tract.

4. They have been proven to preserve vision because of high level of anthocycanosides found in the berry. They also have been found to slow down age related eye problems such as macular degeneration, cataracts and myopia.

5. They can prevent and even heal some brain disorders. They also can heal damaged brain cells and keep your memory sharp.

6. Their high fiber content helps to dissolve bad cholesterol. This makes it an ideal food to help cure or prevent many heart diseases.

7. The fiber also helps prevent constipation.

8. They contain compounds that are excellent in preventing certain types of cancer such as colon or liver cancer.

9. The antioxidents found in this fruit help prevent infections.

10. Rich in vitamins C, A, D and B complex, antioxidents, copper, selenium, zinc, and iron.

I have included some healthy low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sugar recipes so you can have the full healthy effect of blueberries without any of the unwanted extras.

• Blueberries are the second most popular berry in the United States.
• Over 20 million pounds of blueberries are grown every year in North America.
• Soldiers in the Civil War would drink a drink containing blueberries because of it's health benefits.
• Blueberries may change colors when they are cooked. When combined with acids such as lemon and vinegar it causes the blue pgment to trun a reddish color.
• Bleberries are the official fruit of Nova Scotia.
• Native Americans once called them Star Berries.
• At least 50 different species of blueberries have been identified.
• Blueberry jelly beans w3ere created especially for Ronald Reagan.
• Blueberries won't ripen once they are picked.
• British Colombia is the second largest produced of blueberries in the world.
• The blueberry muffin is the official muffin of Minnesota.
• Wild blueberries contain more brain saing bioflavonoids than the domestic ones.
• July is National Blueberry Month in the U. S.
• Blueberries are related to azaleas, camellias, heather, and rhododendrons.
• Earrly colonists made grey paint out of blueberries by boiling them in milk.
• Blueberries are a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
• The blueberry is the official state fruit of New Jersey.
• In Sweden, dried blueberries are used to treat childhood diarrhea
• August is Blueberry Month in British Columbia..
• The Blueberry is one of the few fruits that are native to North America.
• Blueberry juice was used by the early Americns to treat a cough, during childbirth as a relaxant, and to treat isues of digestion.

 Ingredients:

2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen

1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen

1/3 cup or equivilent sugar substitute

1 tbsp fat-free margarine, cold and cut into small pieces

1/3 cup or equivilent brown sugar substitute

1/4 cup fat-free margarine

2/3 cup flour

1/4 tsp baking soda

2/3 cup quick cooking oats

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Spray large casserole dish with butter flavor cooking oil spray. 

Mix together all berries and add sugar substitute.  Place into casserole dish.

Spread small pieces of cut up cold butter across fruit.

Combine rest of ingredients and mix well.  Spread mixture over the berries.

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until topping is browned.

 Ingredients:

1 pkg sugar-free mixed berry gelatin

2 pkg sugar-free tapioca pudding

1 cup frozen blueberries, thawed

1 16-oz container of whipped cream

1 1/2 cups boiling water

Directions:

In a large bowl whisk toegther mixed berry gelatin mix, tapioca pudding mix and boiling water until mixes are dissolved.

Add thawed blueberries.

Fold in whipped cream

Enjoy

 Ingredients:

2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 cup or equivilent sugar substitute

1/4 cup or equivilent brown sugar substitute

4 tsp cornstarch

1/2 cup water

Combine sugars and cornstarch in a large saucepan adn gradually stir in water.  Turn burner on to medium heat and add berries.  Bring to boil stirring constantly. 

Boil for 1 minute, stir occasionally.

Serve over pancakes, waffles, french toast, ice cream, angel food cake, pound cake and anything else you can think of.