Tangy, colorful, and especially vitamin-packed, blueberries have everything to please. These small blue berries are available in stores throughout the summer, until the end of September. Wild blueberries, with a very deep blue color, grow in certain mountain ranges such as the Vosges and the Massif Central, but most blueberries available in French stores actually belong to the family of blueberries, berries native to North America. These so-called "bush" blueberries have a beautiful blue-violet color and have only been cultivated in France since the 1980s.
Nutritional value of blueberries
Blueberries contain many antioxidant compounds, especially polyphenols and flavonoid acids, including anthocyanins. These pigments give blueberries their lovely blue color and contribute to improving cardiovascular health. They help limit levels of "bad" cholesterol circulating in the blood and protect the long-term structure of blood vessel cells. The antioxidants in blueberries also act against oxidative stress, which disrupts cellular function throughout the body. These molecules play an important role in cognitive function by protecting neuronal cells. Recent studies have shown the positive effects of fermented blueberry juice on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Finally, flavonoids have hypoglycemic potential: they inhibit blood glucose levels. Regular consumption of blueberries or blueberry juice may effectively combat the development of type 2 diabetes and certain forms of obesity.
How to store blueberries
Blueberries only grow in France until September, but these wonderful berries are incredibly cold-resistant. Feel free to freeze your blueberries to enjoy them all year round: freezing will not alter any of their nutritional benefits. Since they do not peel, it is advisable, to the best of your ability, to prioritize fruits from organic farming to limit pesticide ingestion, which mainly accumulates on the skins of treated fruits and vegetables.
Blueberries are easy to prepare and will add a tangy touch to all your dessert recipes, from Canadian blueberry muffins to fresh fruit salads to delicious smoothies. Try the detox experience of raspberry, banana, and blueberry smoothie, you won't be disappointed! You can also incorporate them into your muesli for a vitamin boost at breakfast. Enjoy your meal!
Sources: Passeportsanté; whfoods; myrtille.com.
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