The Fresh Food Club
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Blueberries

In season Summer

Food Description:

Small, smooth, round berries that are dark blue in colour. Considered by many to be a 'superfood', blueberries are high in cancer-fighting antioxidants and are also antibacterial. (Trivia from the Great Food Almanac - If all the blueberries grown in North America in one year were spread out in a single layer, they would cover a four-lane highway that stretched from New York to Chicago).

General Information:

Category: Fruit
To Buy: Usually found in plastic punnets.
To Store: Remove the berries from the punnet and put in a small bowl lined with absorbent paper. Store for up to 5 days. Remove them from the fridge about 1/2 hour before serving to allow the full flavour of the berry to come out.
Tips and Tricks: Blueberries freeze well and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Frozen berries can be bought from most good supermarkets.

Nutrition (0.5 Cup):

Energy (kJ): 172
Protein (g): 0.5
Saturated Fat, g : 0.0
Antioxidants:
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. High
Carbohydrates, g: 8.9
Fat (g): 0.1
Vitamin C: Antioxidant, anti inflammatory and immune-boosting, this vitamin has a range of uses. Is essential for collagen formation, therefore plays a role in wound healing. Fights infection and protects against free radical damage. Vitamin C helps maintain normal cholesterol levels, promotes the absorption of iron and counters the effects of stress as it is concentrated in the adrenal glands. Contraindications: Large doses can cause diaorrhea or gas.
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. Negligible
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: Serve fresh with other berries. Add to cakes and muffins. Serve over pancakes with breakfast.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Cold and Flus
Cystitis
Premature Aging
Constipation
Diarrhoea

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.