The Berries of Summer

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are blessed with an abundance of fresh berries growing everywhere. Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are a few of the sweet, juicy berries that I have growing in my yard and that are growing in most of the parks and open lands in the area. Not only do they provide a delicious snack to munch on, but they are loaded with nutrition. Berries are great sources of fiber, a nutrient important for a healthy digestive system. They also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, calcium, magnesium, silicon and iron.

Blueberries are not only amongst my favorite berry, it is also one of the foods highest on the list of superfoods for brain health. Blueberries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that have been shown to potentially lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. One of these antioxidants, anthocyanin, may also prevent the effects of Alzheimer’s disease by stimulating the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. (1)

In Studies led by Dr. Robert Krikorian at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, blueberries were shown to improve memory, improve access to words and concepts and improve cognitive performance and brain function in older adults exhibiting signs of mild cognitive impairment. (2)

It is suggested that eating a cup of fresh blueberries will provide the antioxidants and nutrients to protect your brain and fight off cancer. So next time you pass the display of fresh blueberries at your local market, take some home and enjoy the health benefits and flavor of these delicious berries.

Give the recipe below a try to enjoy the flavors of summer.

Blueberry Lemon Bread

Ingredients 

• 2 cups all – purpose flour plus 1 Tbls
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cup (8 oz) lemon greek yogurt
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray.
• In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tbls of the flour set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt.
• In another large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients, other than the blueberries.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients, just until smooth.
• Fold in blueberries.
• Pour batter into loaf pan and bake 50 – 60 minutes or until done.