Guest guest Posted August 12, 2003 Report Share Posted August 12, 2003 Bountiful Blueberries Blueberries are one of summer's fabulous, low glycemic fruits. Not only are they wonderfully tasty, but they are packed with nature's nutrition and are lovely for a low carb or a controlled carb diet. Discover more ways your body can benefit from this tiny berry. What could be better than the delightful taste of fresh summer blueberries? Their bounty is found in more than their taste. They are a scrumptious addition to a low-carb eating plan. One-fourth cup of blueberries has only 5 grams of carbohydrates and adds 2 grams of fiber to the diet. More than that, blueberries are filled with nature-packed nutrients. Here are some other healthy benefits. Live longer: The pigment that gives those little berries their deep blue color also packs them with antioxidants or flavonoids that do not diminish with storage. This comes from the pigment that gives the berries their deep blue color. Because of this, researchers believe that consuming blueberries can reduce " oxidative stress " , which is one of the factors leading to aging. Oxidative stress is the body's lack of ability to rid itself of toxins, thus leading to cell death and tissue damage. In a Tuft's University study, Dr. Ronald Prior said that blueberries " are one of the richest sources of antioxidant phytonutrients of the fresh fruits and vegetables we have studied. " Prevention Magazine calls them " youth berries. " Help Your Heart: USDA chemist Agnes Rimando has found that blueberries contain high levels of resveratol. Resveratol is found in wine and grapes and is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Blueberries are higher in this compound than other berries. Put a sparkle in your eyes: Studies in a number of countries have shown that eating blueberries can contribute to eye health. Symptoms of eye fatigue were shown to improve among the groups who consumed blueberries. However, the berries were not shown to help cataracts or already weak eyes. Have a healthy urinary tract: Blueberries contain some of the same substances as cranberries (proanthocyanidins) and may help to prevent urinary tract infections. They work by prohibiting harmful bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. History of the Blueberry: Blueberries are a native North American berry. Native American Indians valued these berries and dried the tiny fruit after its short growing season to use during the rest of the year. Then the lovely little fruit was added to stews, meats, soups and other foods to add flavor. Blueberries were used to make a pudding called Suatauthig and were sometimes pounded into meat that was then smoked and dried. It has been recorded that the root was made into tea for medicine and helped the Indian women and wives of early settlers to relax during labor. Tea made from the leaves was thought to purify the blood. Want to know more? Try these links:www.wildblueberries.com and www.blueberry.org http://www.shakeoffthesugar.net/article1005.html The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO " Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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