Summer is over, but hopefully you have frozen some blueberries for use over the winter months. As with many colorful fruits and vegetables, blueberries are rich in a variety of healthy anti-oxidants. Blueberries seem to carry a specific advantage in their ability to
- Improve memory in older adults
- Survive freezing without losing antioxidant potential
- Help type 2 diabetics obtain blood sugar control
- Grow abundantly in organic conditions
Blueberries are good enough to eat every day. If you are on a very low carbohydrate eating plan, you can still eat half a cup a day. Here are some great ways to try your daily serving of blueberries!
- To nourish your body and mind at the same time, pick up freshly washed blueberries with your fingers. Eat them one at a time, as slowly as possible. What part do you enjoy the most – the whole berry on your tongue, the burst of flavor as you chew it, or the flavor that’s left after the berry is swallowed?
- Combine half a cup of blueberries and 4 Tbsp. whole cream (whipping cream, heavy cream from grass-fed cows – organic and raw if possible) and enjoy with a small spoon.
- Toss a handful of blueberries on your mixed salad, or
- Combine blueberries, peeled and sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta, crispy walnuts or almonds. Toss with olive oil and a rich balsamic vinegar. Top with sliced avocado and a quick drizzle of fresh lime juice. Salt to taste.
- Blueberry Bars
- Combine 1 cup softened coconut butter, 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/2 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut. Warm enough so it’s easy to stir and stir in ¼ cup each: blueberries, dark chocolate chips and your choice of nut or pumpkin seed.
- Split an avocado in half and position cut side up on a baking tray. Spoon in some blueberries and a raw egg. Bake in a 350 degree oven until egg sets. Sprinkle with a little freshly cooked bacon or sausage if you have some handy!
- Blueberry sauce for grilled salmon:
- Saute 1 shallot in olive oil with fresh garlic and a dash of allspice or cinnamon. Add 1 cup fresh blueberries and 2-3 Tbsp of balsamic vinegar. Stir to blend, adding water as needed. Lightly mash the blueberries and serve over freshly cooked salmon.
- Blueberry smoothie: Add to blender: ½ cup blueberries, ½ tsp cinnamon, 4 Tbsp cream or coconut milk, ½ cup water or kefir, and 1 scoop of grass fed whey protein powder. For greater volume and a more complex taste, add 1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded, with a bit of lime or mint.
- Bedtime Blueberries from Everyday Paleo
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- ½ cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 4 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- Spread the blueberries in a pie pan, sprinkle with coconut and then almonds. Drizzle with orange juice and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
- Dr. Deborah’s version of bedtime blueberries, especially for adults or athletes – yummy and helps you sleep:
- ½ cup fresh or thawed blueberries
- 4 Tbsp sour cream
- 1 Tbsp MCT oil (may substitute 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil or butter)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
