Summer is known for many things: family vacations, afternoons by the pool, and sweltering temperatures. But it is also known for sweet, plump blueberries! In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture proclaimed July as National Blueberry Month in 2003. Fresh blueberries are not only some of summer’s most popular treats, but they are packed with dense nutrients and antioxidants, and have long been attributed to longevity and wellness.
What Makes Blueberries So Super?
Blueberries, known as one of the top superfoods, are bursting with vitamins and minerals known as antioxidants. In fact, the berry’s blue hue comes from a flavonoid called anthocyanin, which is also found in cranberries, eggplant and red cabbage. Anthocyanin is an antioxidant known to help protect from heart disease and cancer, and can also improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Not only do these petite berries rank highest among antioxidant fruits, they are also associated with maintaining healthy bones, warding off heart disease, aiding in digestion, and fighting wrinkles. Blueberries are full of iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K and zinc, which contribute to building and maintaining bone strength. Additionally, blueberries are loaded with fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin C, decreasing the risk of heart disease. The high levels of vitamin B6 and folate found in blueberries help prevent buildup of homocysteine, which is known to accumulate in the body, leading to heart problems. Just one cup of blueberries provides 24% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, 14% of recommended fiber, and only 84 calories, making them ideal for weight loss or maintenance, because they fill you up with their high fiber and low calories.
But, our favorite thing about these vitamin-packed berries is their significant effect on the brain! That is why we pack our THINK® bars full of blueberry goodness.
According to former lead scientist of neuroscience at the USDA Human Research Center, James Joseph, Ph.D., “When it comes to brain protection, there is nothing quite like blueberries. I call the blueberry the brain berry.” The late Dr. Joseph conducted extensive research on our favorite blue berries, and concluded that daily consumption of blueberries dramatically slows impairments in memory and motor skills. Likewise, the University of Reading has conducted a study, and found a significant effect on the cognitive ability of schoolchildren who consumed blueberries daily. Professor Claire Williams, who led the study said “We have known for some time that flavonoids promote healthy brain function in adults. However, this is the first, fully controlled, double-blinded research study to examine the effects of flavonoids on cognitive behavior in children.”
We use blueberries from Michigan, where the weather and soil is ideal for them to grow. Blueberries are just one of the many SUPERFOOD ingredients found in B.O.S.S. Bars TM .