21/10/2018
Hi All, I yet again have to apologise for my lengthy silence. Today I would like to write about one of the most amazing superfoods:-
Blueberries (Vaccinium cyanococcus) - this sweet, juicy berry is rich in natural pro-anthocyanin pigment antioxidants. This small berry has long been attribute to the longevity and wellness of indigenous people living around sub-arctic regions in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are two genus, both deciduous, high-bush blueberry, highly branched and erect and growing in the wild, and the low-bush blueberry, a short erect plant that spreads through underground rhizomes. The low-bush blueberry is mostly cultivated on farms for commercial purposes.
The flowers are bell-shape, white, pale pink or red, and the berries are pea-sized turning from pale green into red and ripen into deep purple, which are covered in a protective powdery coating of epicuticular wax, Traditionally, they are gathered by hand, and therefore require intense labour. The blueberry is native to North America, Europe and Asia, but is also now grown in the Southern Hemisphere in countries such as Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Their family also includes the cranberry, billberry and huckleberry, etc
Health Benefits: -
> They are low in calories, rich in soluble dietary fibre and among the highest antioxidant value fruits, such polyphenolic anthocyanidin compounds, as wells as flavonoind antioxidants beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
> These phytochemical compounds rid the body of oxygen-derived free radicals, thereby protect it against cancers, ageing, degenerative diseases and infections.
> Studies shows that the cholorogenic acid in the berries help lower blood sugar and control glucose levels in type-II diabetes.
> Fresh berries contains vitamins A. C, E, K, B-complex such niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic acid, which help in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats.
> I also contains minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc, assisting controlling heart rate, blood pressure, with the production of red blood cells.
Use:-
Eaten fresh, added to soups, stews, with some meat dishes, in cakes and tarts, desserts, salads, juices and jams. Also delicious dried as s power snack.
Just a reminder: Please consult with you physician if you are on chronic medication, have allergies or are pregnant before using this fruit in alternative medication.