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Blueberries

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The history of blueberries is fascinating. History dates their use to pre-colonial times—they were a staple in Native American diets for centuries before colonists arrived from Europe. The berry is celebrated throughout National Blueberry Month (July), which is the peak of its harvest.

The blueberry is a wonder. This five-pointed star is full of antioxidants, flavonoids, pterostilbene, anthocyanins, resveratrol, and has a low glycemic index. It has been a known miracle-worker for many years.
During school breaks, my mother, brother, and I would travel to Michigan in July to pick blueberries for the summer. I think I ate more than I picked, however (they were a lot cheaper 40 years ago)! We earned $25 for a 40-hour work week—just enough to enjoy a Sherman Dairy ice cream cone afterward. At the time I just loved the way they tasted; I little knew the beneficial effects they would have on my health. So if you don’t normally eat them now, I suggest you start.
Below is a reminder of just some of the benefits you receive when you add a cup of blueberries to your daily diet.

• They are chock full of vitamins and other nutrients.
• They are a healthy heart booster.
• They minimize arthritis.
• They aid digestion.
• They are anti-aging.
• They decrease blood pressure.
• They provide cancer protection.
• They aid in diabetes prevention.
• They reduce inflammation.

If you want to incorporate more blueberries into your diet, but they are not in season—no worries! Grab a bag out of the freezer, because this is one little friend you will want to keep around.