Blue Berries
We have been indulging in all kinds of fresh fruit lately; strawberries, raspberries and lots of blueberries. Maybe it would be better to say that we have been indulging in Antioxidants lately, because that is what those little treats are loaded with.
Blueberries were already used by the native Americans. They would make tea from the leaves and use the juice to dye baskets and cloth. The medicinal characteristics of the plant was thought to be good for the blood and the juice was used to treat coughs. It was also used a lot in food preparation.
There are many different species which are known as blueberries, but the most commonly known and consumed is the Cyanococcus. This blueberry is a native to North America and can grow up to 12 feet. They are also cultivated for consumption in Australia, New Zealand and South American countries
A little interesting detail I found was that July is National Blueberry Month in the United States and Germany, because that is when the blueberry season is at its peak.
Vaccinium Cyanococcus
An excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and a good source of fiber, with just 80 calories a cup, blueberries are an Antioxidant Superfood ranking eighth in total antioxidant capacity per serving out of over 100 common foods, according to the USDA.
Tufts University has found that blueberries may slow and even reverse age-related brain decline. The same scientists believe blueberries could someday protect astronauts against the radiation-induced free-radical damage experienced during extended space flight.
Blueberries for dessert can offset the increase of free radicals and drop in antioxidant levels after an overindulgent meal. Blueberry bonus: Like their little red cousin the cranberry, blueberries contain compounds that may help ward off urinary tract infections.
Source: Dole Food Facts.
Due to the high level of Antioxidants in the blueberries, it is said that they can decrease inflammation and the risk of developing different types of cancers. Some research indicated that consuming blueberries lowers the cholesterol levels and can even have a positive effect on our blood pressure.
I make a refreshing fruit salad with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and sliced bananas. Of course you can always mix in other fruits. To satisfy your sweet tooth you can sprinkle a sweetener on it, instead of sugar.
The berries make for great pies, cobblers, muffins and preserves as well. Aside from enjoying the blueberries fresh, they can also be frozen, dried, pureed or turned in to juice.
To grow blueberries in your yard, you have to make sure the soil is highly acidic for the best results. Space wise the plants do not require much.
It is amazing how God provides in every aspect. He sees to the health of both our inner and outer man. No need escapes Him and every prayer is heard. Even though the last may not always be answered the way we would like, it is answered in accordance with His will and what is best for us.
Psalm 104:13
He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works.
Blueberries were already used by the native Americans. They would make tea from the leaves and use the juice to dye baskets and cloth. The medicinal characteristics of the plant was thought to be good for the blood and the juice was used to treat coughs. It was also used a lot in food preparation.
There are many different species which are known as blueberries, but the most commonly known and consumed is the Cyanococcus. This blueberry is a native to North America and can grow up to 12 feet. They are also cultivated for consumption in Australia, New Zealand and South American countries
A little interesting detail I found was that July is National Blueberry Month in the United States and Germany, because that is when the blueberry season is at its peak.
Vaccinium Cyanococcus
An excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and a good source of fiber, with just 80 calories a cup, blueberries are an Antioxidant Superfood ranking eighth in total antioxidant capacity per serving out of over 100 common foods, according to the USDA.Tufts University has found that blueberries may slow and even reverse age-related brain decline. The same scientists believe blueberries could someday protect astronauts against the radiation-induced free-radical damage experienced during extended space flight.
Blueberries for dessert can offset the increase of free radicals and drop in antioxidant levels after an overindulgent meal. Blueberry bonus: Like their little red cousin the cranberry, blueberries contain compounds that may help ward off urinary tract infections.
Source: Dole Food Facts.
Due to the high level of Antioxidants in the blueberries, it is said that they can decrease inflammation and the risk of developing different types of cancers. Some research indicated that consuming blueberries lowers the cholesterol levels and can even have a positive effect on our blood pressure.
I make a refreshing fruit salad with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and sliced bananas. Of course you can always mix in other fruits. To satisfy your sweet tooth you can sprinkle a sweetener on it, instead of sugar.
The berries make for great pies, cobblers, muffins and preserves as well. Aside from enjoying the blueberries fresh, they can also be frozen, dried, pureed or turned in to juice.
To grow blueberries in your yard, you have to make sure the soil is highly acidic for the best results. Space wise the plants do not require much.
It is amazing how God provides in every aspect. He sees to the health of both our inner and outer man. No need escapes Him and every prayer is heard. Even though the last may not always be answered the way we would like, it is answered in accordance with His will and what is best for us.
Psalm 104:13
He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works.
12 Comments:
that must be a heck of a fruit salad, with the blueberries with the blues, strawberries laying in the straw, raspberries "razzzzzing" and the bananas giving the slip! :)
huggs
sis
Janice,
Well, ya see sis a needle slipped through my fingers in the straw. I razzed through it, couldn't find it and ended up with the blues.
On a brighter note: the entire occurrence was sweetened by Splenda, hehe.
God's Grace.
HaHa! Well done! 2 poets in row =)
That sounds so good Corry. A lady came in the office a little while ago and brought me about 8 plums off her tree. They were sooo good. Wish I could share them with you, but alas they probably won't make it home. lol.
Audrey,
I could not have done it without Janice's lead, hehe.
Amy,
Hahaha, I hope you enjoyed them dear sister. Someday we will share a nice meal together. :-)
(((HUGS)))
God's Grace.
i would cabbage on to anything too make sis smile, just 2 peas in a pod :)
and it would be plum nice to have a nice meal together! "hint hint"
:o>
Janice,
I got the hint and it is a sour grape right now, not to be able to do that on short notice and I have to blow raspberries on my arm just to get in a better mood.
However, we will crack that tough nut sometime and spill the beans on when, where and how. :-D
(((HUGS)))
God's Grace.
ya know was what sour grapes is that's "wine" and that's just fine!
how about 2 years from Aug ?
Janice,
A little wine is good for the belly, huh?
Haha, you are trying to get a commitment out of me and I would love to, but we never know from one day to the next what is going to happen or who needs what. That already messed up a visit with another blogger friend.
Let's do this: we will set it as a goal for Aug 2011. If we can make it before then, that would be great and if not, then we will try our best to make it. How is that?
(((HUGS)))
God's Grace.
sis, ya know I just razzing ya?
one day at a time is the only way too go !
huggs
j
oh and wine is good for tired bones
IMHO :)
Janice,
I know you were, dear sis. I really do hope though someday we will be able to razz over things together during a nice meal, hehe.
Haha, we don't need wine for tired bones, we need sleep. We have two grandsons who make sure our ol' bones are tired in the evening. Tired, but fulfilled. :-D
(((HUGS)))
God's Grace.
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