The Incredible Blueberry

Blueberries are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and are a very good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Manganese.

According to the ND Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Blueberries, 1 Cup of raw Blueberries contains:

• 84 calories
• 4 grams of fiber or 14 %DV
• 24%DV of Vitamin C
• 36%DV of Vitamin K
• 25%DV of Manganese

Percent Daily Values (%DV) are for adults or children aged 4 or older, and are based on a 2,000 calorie reference diet.  Your daily values my be higher or lower based on your individual needs.

Did you know that:

• Blueberries are loaded with carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, and flavonoids like rutin, resveratrol and quercitin (all excellent for the eyes and eye health).
• The pigments that give blueberries their color improve the structure of veins and the vascular system.
• Blueberries are high in the soluble fiber pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
• A study reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that blueberries inhibit colon cancer proliferation and induce programmed cell death.
• Just recently, Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA researchers found that feeding blueberry powder to mice significantly reduced the growth and spread of triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC), a very aggressive form of cancer - PubMed
• Blueberries are excellent for the relief of diarrhea and constipation.
• Blueberries also help reduce inflammation in the digestive and urinary tracts.
• A study in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine suggests that the best way to gain maximum benefits from blueberries and other fruits is to consume them either one hour before protein (milk, etc.) is consumed, or two hours after. - Milk destroys antioxidant benefits in blueberries

More Incredible Info on Blueberries:

• Polyphenols in blueberries inhibit the formation of fat cells - NaturalNews
• Study: Prevent high blood pressure by eating blueberries - NaturalNews
• Blueberries halt hardening of the arteries - NaturalNews
• Find Cancer Prevention with the Power of Blueberries - NaturalNews

Post shared at:  Monday Mania

Fresh Pineapple Benefits

Bromelain is the key to a fresh pineapple's benefits.

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, proteolytic means "breaks down protein", helps the body digest proteins more efficiently. For increased effectiveness, pineapples should be eaten between meals without other food.

Bromelain has been found to be a useful anti-inflammatory, effective in reducing swelling and assisting in the treatment of conditions such as; acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis, and gout.

Bromelain has also been found to help suppress coughs and loosen mucus. If you have a cold, with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet.

Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked. The more scales on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste. When picking out the perfect pineapple, they should feel heavy for their size. They should look, feel and smell clean and have no moldy marks on the outer surface.

Pineapples can be stored at room temperature, when cut, your pineapple should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Pineapples are also loaded with other vitamins and minerals, such as, calcium, potassium, vit. C, vit. A, and manganese. Manganese, a trace mineral, is needed for the development of strong bones and connective tissue. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese.

source:

Natural News

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