You can eat the tasty berries by the handful or use them in smoothies, fruit salads, or cereal. To bake with them, add about a cup of them to the batter. Be sure to stir the berries gently into the batter to prevent them from burst and turning your baking dish purple. If you’re not into baking, you can try adding blueberries frozen to sparkling water, tea, or sparkling water. Blueberries are a delicious and healthy addition to any drink, so there’s no excuse not to make them a part of your life.
Lowbush blueberries
A native to the New Hampshire region, lowbush blueberries are small, antioxidant-rich bushes that grow wild on mountaintops, succession forests, and even roadsides. They grow best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 4.0 to 5.0. During the winter, these shrubs grow in dormancy and regrow vegetatively, producing flower buds on young shoots. However, the plants won’t produce fruit if the soil is too wet or has too much shade.
Despite their name, Lowbush Blueberries are not suited for very cold or high winds. They are very hardy, but don’t grow well in extremely cold climates. Lowbush Blueberries have survived temperatures as low as -40degC, but it is always a good idea to mulch your plants to prevent frost damage. But the beauty of Lowbush Blueberries doesn’t stop there. These berries are a great addition to your landscaping efforts.
The lowbush blueberry is smaller than its highbush cousin and has pink-tinged leaves. The lowbush variety has a similar spring foliage as the highbush version but tends to be more sprawling than the latter. Throughout the northeast and southeastern regions, lowbush blueberries are native to the area and are considered food plants. In addition to being delicious, lowbush blueberries also provide a food source for many creatures.
Phytonutrients in blueberries
Phytonutrients in blueberries are mainly phenolic compounds called anthocyanins. These substances contribute to the deep blue color of blueberries. However, after six months of freezing, the anthocyanins in blueberries were significantly reduced, although the rest of the phytonutrients remained almost intact. Of particular note is the fact that 18 to 34% of the phenolic phytonutrients in fresh blueberries are flavonoids.
Phytonutrients in blueberries include anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. The anthocyanins present in blueberries are believed to decrease inflammation associated with chronic diseases. They also contain Vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy capillaries, gums, and immune system. Blueberries also contain manganese, which plays an important role in bone development, as well as in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy.
Phytonutrients in blueberries are important for brain health, as they help prevent memory loss and protect blood vessels from clogging. Another benefit of blueberries is their high vitamin K content. In addition to promoting healthy blood flow, blueberries contain phytonutrients that protect various blood components from damage by oxygen, which can lead to clogging of the arteries. To maximize the health benefits of blueberries, try to eat them as close to their peak as possible, but freeze them to preserve their phytonutrient content.
Health benefits of eating blueberries
When it comes to health benefits, blueberries are a winner. According to Dietitian Julia Zumpano, a blueberry contains more antioxidant power than five other foods. The antioxidant power of blueberries helps protect your body from oxidative stress, which is linked to aging, heart disease, and cancer. A half-cup of blueberries contains about 65 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates. Eating blueberries daily can help you achieve your goals of losing weight and keeping your skin beautiful.
Studies have shown that blueberries contain a compound known as pterostilbene that prevents colon cancer. These berries have an enormous impact on your nutritional status and are a great alternative to snacks. This fruit also helps regulate your blood sugar level. Blueberries are an excellent source of fiber and contain high amounts of antioxidants, including flavonoids and resveratrol. It is also a good source of vitamin C.
Other benefits of eating blueberries are related to controlling blood sugar. They are rich in fiber and don’t cause a spike in blood sugar, which makes them a great alternative to sweet, unhealthy snacks. Moreover, blueberries contain a significant amount of anthocyanin pigments, which contribute to their purple color. Some researchers have even found that these antioxidants can help reduce the signs of aging. In addition, blueberries are also thought to have the highest antioxidant content of any common fruit.