Health Benefits of Blueberries

The health benefits of blueberries are great. Not only are blueberries nutritious and naturally sweet, they contain large quantities of ellagic acid, which has been shown in laboratory studies to help fight cancer.

Fighting cancer is one of the many health benefits of blueberries. They contain a number of substances to boost your immune system and fight off disease including fructose, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.

They are becoming more popular each day as new research discloses the health and nutrient benefits.

Health Benefits of Blueberries

They are packed with ellagic acid, which is an antioxidant. Free radicals are counteracted by antioxidants which help reduce the risks for cancer and other diseases. They also contain pterostilbene, which activates a cell receptor in the liver that lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. That helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.

They are rich in bioflavonoids and proanthocyanidins. Blueberries contain compounds that reduces urinary tract infections. They also contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that trigger neuron growth in the brain which controls motor skills, learning and memory. They make a great snack for growing kids.

Healthy Recipes With Blueberries

Healthy Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

Ingredients:

   - 2 cups Bisquick
   - 1 cup part skim Ricotta
   - 2 eggs
   - 3/4 cup water
   - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix the batter together.
2. Add 2 packages (6 oz) blue berries.
3. Fold them into the batter.
4. Preheat a griddle over medium heat.
5. Measure the mixture using 1/4 cup.
6. Cook until golden brown, turning once.
7. Dust with confectioner's sugar.

Blueberry Oatmeal Cake

Ingredients:

   - 1-1/3 cups flour
   - 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
   - 1/3 cup sugar
   - 2 teaspoons baking powder
   - 1/4 teaspoons salt
   - 3/4 cup milk (Use 2% or skim milk to lower fat content)
   - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (to lower fat content - use 1/4 cup applesauce)
   - 1 egg (use 2 egg whites to make it healthier)
   - 1 cup frozen blueberries (should be firmly frozen when baking)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Grease an 8-inch round baking pan and set aside.
3. In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder and salt.
4. In a 1-cup measure stir milk, oil and egg and pour all at once into flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter will be lumpy).
5. Fold in berries and spoon batter into prepared pan.
6. Bake until cake is golden and pulls away from sides of pan 20 to 25 minutes.
7. Cool on a rack, 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Serve warm.

Serves 8.

Want More Blueberry Recipes?

Try Life's Little Blueberry Cookbook: 101 Blueberry Recipes.

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