July marks National Blueberry Month, and if you’re a fan of the fruit, you have a lot of good reasons to enjoy it.
“Blueberries are a great source of fiber, antioxidants and they’re one of the lowest-sugar fruits out there -- making them one of the best options to snack on,” said Alexis Supan, a registered dietitian with Cleveland Clinic.
Supan explained that although small in size, blueberries are packed with antioxidants.
Eating foods high in antioxidants allows your body to fight off free radicals, or unstable molecules that can damage cells and cause illness.
Blueberries are also rich in fiber, which can help manage cholesterol levels along with other health benefits.
When it comes to vitamins, the fruit is a great source of vitamin C, to boost your immune system, and vitamin K, to maintain strong bones.
From putting them in oatmeal to making them your go-to snack, Supan said, blueberries are easy to add to your diet.
“A good way to make them more of a treat is to take some fresh blueberries and roll them in a plain Greek yogurt or low-sugar vanilla Greek yogurt. Then put them on a baking tray to freeze them. Once they’re frozen, store them in an airtight container,” Supan said. “With that, you get a creamy sweet treat that’s a lot healthier than ice cream.”
Aside from blueberries, Supan said, adding any fruits to your daily diet can benefit your overall health.