DETOXIFYING SUPERFOODS- Blueberries

Blueberries are indigenous to North America and were enjoyed by the Native Americans, who called them "star berries" long before the first colonies were founded. Blueberries are in the same family as bilberries, cowberries, cranberries and huckleberries.To harness their energizing properties,blueberries were dried, added to soups, meats and stews and crushed into powder for use in preserving meat. The medicinalvalue of blueberries was not overlooked by the Native Americans, who used the leaves to make a blood tonic tea, used to purify the blood. Blueberry tea made from the plant roots was used to encourage the progression of childbirth. Both Native Americans and early settlers relied on dried blueberries to make it through the long winter. Blueberries are a sweet, vibrantly colored fruit with a mere 80 calories per cup and anote worthy list of medicinal qualities. Just one serving of blueberries provides almost 25% of the daily vitamin C requirement, while maintaining healthy capillaries and gums. Blueberries promote iron absorption and support a healthy immune system. The fiber found in these blue wonder-berries contributes to heart health and keeps cholesterol in check. he health benefits of blueberries continue to astound researchers the more they study this remarkable little fruit. They contain certain types of phytonutrients known as polyphenols; with a group known as anthocyanins giving the berry its rich blue color. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power of the polyphenols has been found to reduce age-related cognitive decline, the risk of cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse reports that at least twopints of liquid matter pass through the colon each day. Foods high in fiber, such as blueberries, aid in colon function. Other research indicates that blueberries contain a colon cancer-fighting agent known as pterostilbene. Adding a handful of tasty blueberries to your diet each day will promote overall health and healing while helping to keep toxins from accumulating in your colon. Another added benefit of blueberries is the probiotics they contain. These probiotics reduce intestinal tract inflammation and promote the growth of healthy bacteria. Blueberries are incredibly easy to eat. You can add them to cereals, baked goods, yogurt or eat them fresh, frozen or as a juice. For best results buy local, organic blueberries or the fresh, frozen kind.