You might be wondering if there are any foods that taste good and are good for you? Yes! Blueberries, for one, have a number of health benefits.
Anthocyanin, the pigment that makes blueberries blue, is a potent antioxidant.
Here's why antioxidants are important to our good health.
Many of our natural body processes produce free radicals.
For instance, our bodies use oxygen for energy.
A substance interacts with oxygen and loses one or more electrons.
This makes energy but in some instances may leave a damaged, unstable molecule.
This molecule then tries to steal an electron from a healthy cell.
When it succeeds, it injures that cell, making the cell a new free radical.
This newly damaged cell attacks another cell or molecule to gain an electron.
Damage to the cell can be to the cell wall.
Sometimes the cell can no longer participate in an important body process.
Or a cell's DNA can be injured causing it to grow and reproduce abnormally.
This can cause cancer and many other illnesses.
Outside toxins, like cigarette smoke and air pollution, also contribute to the free radicals in your body.
Antioxidants can react with free radicals and eliminate their damage.
In some cases they provide an electron to the free radical.
Some antioxidants are best at stopping the first cell's injury.
Others work to stop the ensuing chain reaction.
So, what can blueberries do for you?

• Blueberries are a concentrated antioxidant source.
  A half cup provides the antioxidant activity found in five servings of apples, peas, squash, broccoli, or carrots.
  A recent study found that people who ate higher levels of anthocyanin antioxidants were less likely to develop cancer.
  In another study giving a blueberry gel to oral cancer patients seemed to prevent recurrence.
  
• In animal studies blueberries lowered blood sugar by more than 25%.
  They are a folk remedy for high blood sugar.
  I am not suggesting that you, on your own, treat your diabetes with blueberries.
  Speak to your doctor, pay attention to your blood sugar levels, and eat blueberries.
  Make a smoothie, put them on your cereal, eat a handful plain.
  
• We know that free radicals damage arteries.
  This makes blood vessels more likely to become clogged by cholesterol and fat deposits.
  These narrow, clogged arteries then increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
  Well, guess what? You may be able to significantly reduce that risk by eating blueberries and strawberries.
  In Circulation, the Journal of the American Heart Association, a study was recently reported where over 90,000 women were followed for 18 years.
  The women's diets were recorded periodically.
  Those who ate three servings of blueberries and strawberries a week were 32% less likely to have a heart attack when compared to those who ate only one serving a month.
  Even the women who ate healthy diets with lots of fruits and vegetables were more likely to have heart attacks if they were not eating the three weekly servings of blueberries or strawberries each week.
  The antioxidant effects are thought to reduce inflammation and keep arteries flexible, making them less likely to develop plaque.
  (On your way to the grocery store for your berries yet?)
• E.
  coli are the most common cause of urinary tract infection.
  Antioxidants in blueberries and cranberries change the structure of E.
  coli bacteriain the urinary tract.
  The bacteria become unable to attach to the bladder lining and cause infection.
  
• Blueberries seem to improve memory, speed, and coordination.
  
• One cup of blueberries provides about 15% of the daily recommended fiber intake.
  

How many more reasons do you need to start eating blueberries? Walk or run, (counting your steps, of course), to your favorite supermarket or grocery store now! Buy some blueberries, strawberries, or both.
Eat them uncooked because heating destroys some of the vitamins.
Freezing is fine.
Within five days, either wash them and eat them, or freeze them and wash them later.
Every day...
Say No To Stroke!