Blueberries are an ideal food for people looking to improve their health this summer. This tiny “superfruit” is packed with vitamins A, C, E and K (all essential for skin health), as well as minerals that build strong bones, such as manganese. They also contain fiber, which promotes digestive health.
Blueberries boast high levels of antioxidants, which are nutrients that provide health benefits such as fighting DNA damage that can lead to infection, improving heart health, and even enhancing long and short-term memory. Some of the most important antioxidants in blueberries are called phytonutrients, which help stop the spread of cancerous cells in the body.
Enjoy blueberries fresh and raw at least three times a week to experience the maximum health benefits they have to offer. Add them to cereal for breakfast or make healthy smoothies by combing with strawberries, bananas, milk or yogurt.
Sources: Healthy Summer Foods and their Eating Guide (http://b4tea.blogspot.com); The Super Foods (http://www.superfoodsrx.com); The World’s Healthiest Foods (http://www.whfoods.com).
The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.