superfood #2: blueberries

here we go! superfood #2: blueberries
sidekicks**: purple grapes, cranberries, rasberries,strawberries,cherries, all varieties of fresh/frozen/dried berries.

**the concept of "sidekicks" in the book: sidekicks are close nutritional relatives to the superfood. of course the superfood is the best, but sidekicks give similar benefits.

why eat them?: the blueberry contains more disease fighting antioxidents than any fruit or vegetable (1 serving of blueberries = 5 servings of carrots, brocoli, or apples!). important in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and many degenerative diseases brought on by aging. maintains healthy brain tissue so they've been called "brainberries" (by who, i don't know though).

how often?: "1-2 cups daily" this is what it says in the book. sounds like a lot, but if you spread it out over the day, it's possible. i've been putting a handful in my cereal in the morning or in fruit salads. jams and juices (like grape juice!) count too. the nutrients are concentrated in the skin of the berries. ooh, and ocean spray makes these snack packs of dried cranberries that are really good too.

this picture is from some blueberries and grapes i tossed in a container and ate at my desk at work since i didn't have time to have cereal. the book doesn't talk about red grapes, but i'm sure they must have some of those polyphenols in them.