July Is for Blueberries
By Brandi Goodman
National Blueberry Month falls in July each year. This tiny fruit packs a big bunch when it comes to nutrition. You get all sorts of antioxidants and vitamins from the bluish-purple food. July is for blueberries for good reason. The summer spectacle is a hydrating option that is incredibly worthwhile.
Vetting Your Vitamins
Certain vitamins are especially worthwhile to your health. Vitamin C is one that really catches everyone's attention. It's essential for repairing body tissues and helping with growth and development. It's also necessary for the immune system, and is involved in many other functions within the body. One cup of blueberries provides 24 percent of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C.
You also get a hefty dose of Vitamin K from the fruit. Vitamin K is another highly beneficial option. You won't be able to regulate your blood calcium levels, improve your bone metabolism, or clot your blood without it.
Staying Hydrated
Hydration is always necessary, but it's especially important during the hot summer months. Blueberries are roughly 85 percent water. Instead of drinking a half-cup of the beverage, enjoy a full cup of blueberries to get similar results. Blueberries are a refreshing treat that you can enjoy on their own or add to a breakfast or snack dish easily.
Maintaining Weight
When you're looking to maintain or lose weight, the right foods matter. Blueberries are low in calories, making them an excellent snack option when you're trying to eat healthily. A full cup is less than 100 calories, which is a good calorie count to shoot for come snack time. Blueberries also offer 4 grams of fiber. Fiber is necessary for helping you feel full for longer, so you won't soon be hungry again after you've eaten your share.
Fighting Aging and Disease
Antioxidants are necessary for fighting aging and disease. Blueberries are one fruit that offers a significant amount of antioxidants. They're known as a superfood because of it. Unstable molecules within your body wreak havoc on your systems and damage your cells. It makes you more susceptible to disease and premature signs of aging. Antioxidants from your foods can help to fight these free radicals and reverse some of the damage they've done.
Enjoy a handful of blueberries each day. You can eat them plain, add them to yogurt, or eat them in your cereal. You can never go wrong with blueberries, as the morsels of fruit pack incredible amounts of vitamins and nutrients into just one serving. They're great for your brain and body.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pace, Fla.