If you’ve ever tasted a frozen fruit in its non-frozen state, you know there’s something special about blueberries. They have an almost addictive subtle sweetness that makes them so much more than just another berry. Frozen blueberries are a great way to enjoy this superfood any time of year. They also make a perfect addition to smoothies, homemade ice cream, and other healthy recipes when fresh berries aren’t available or affordable. But what exactly are blueberries, and how good are they for you? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about eating frozen blueberries as part of a healthy diet plan.
Are Frozen Blueberries Good For You?
Yes! In fact, blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. They’re high in antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. They’re also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Some people believe that frozen blueberries are even healthier than fresh blueberries because they’re frozen immediately after being picked, which helps preserve their nutrients. So if you’re looking for a healthy snack that’s low in calories and high in nutrients, be sure to reach for a handful of frozen blueberries!
Nutrition Benefits Of Blueberries
1. Blueberries are a superfood
Blueberries are a superfood because they’re packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They contain over 15 times the amount of vitamin C found in oranges, twice as much fiber as whole wheat bread, and three times the amount of vitamin K than broccoli. Blueberries also contain high levels of manganese, which is essential for bone health, and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure levels.
2. Blueberries have more antioxidants than other fruits
Antioxidants are essential for your body’s overall well-being because they help fight free radicals that cause damage to cells in your body. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals before they can do any damage to healthy cells or tissue in your body. Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant contents of any fruit (more than blackberries and raspberries), which makes them an even better choice for avoiding disease and promoting good health in general.
3. Blueberries help promote good vision
Blueberries are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to protect your eyes from macular degeneration. They’re also rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and night vision. If you’re worried about developing cataracts or age-related eye diseases like glaucoma, blueberries may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
4. Blueberries improve brain function in older adults
Older adults who ate large amounts of blueberry powder each day for 12 weeks were shown to have improved memory, cognitive function, and mood compared to those who didn’t eat blueberry powder on a regular basis. The group that consumed the berry powder also had lower blood pressure levels and smaller waists than those who didn’t eat the powder. This study was conducted by researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK, and it was published in the American Journal of Nutrition.
5. Blueberries are good for your heart
Blueberries are a good source of soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL cholesterol levels in your body and also helps keep your blood pressure levels low. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, blueberries may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
6. Blueberries can help fight cancer
Blueberries contain high amounts of antioxidants that can help fight free radicals linked to cancerous cell growth in the body. In addition to fighting free radicals that cause cancer cell growth, blueberries also have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the body and the pain associated with it. This makes blueberries a great choice for those who are suffering from chronic pain or inflammation due to an autoimmune disease or other illness or condition.
Are Frozen Blueberries Good For You?
1. Blueberries are full of antioxidants
One of the many reasons blueberries are so good for you is that they’re full of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to rid your body of free radicals, which can damage cells and cause cell death. Free radicals can even cause DNA damage, which is why antioxidants are so important. Studies have found that blueberries contain more antioxidants than most other fruits and vegetables, making them one of the most powerful antioxidant foods available.
2. Blueberries can lower your risk for heart disease
Blueberries may be small, but they have a lot to offer when it comes to heart health. Research has shown that eating blueberries may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as lower your risk for developing heart disease over time. Studies have also shown that eating blueberries is linked to a lower risk for stroke and diabetes, two other diseases with strong links to heart health and blood pressure management.
3. Blueberry consumption has been linked to improved brain health
Blueberries are not only good for your heart, but they’re also great for your brain. Studies have shown that eating blueberries can help improve memory, slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and even prevent memory loss in healthy adults. The reason for this is that blueberries contain a flavonoid called anthocyanins, which help protect against cell damage in the brain and promote neuron growth.
4. Blueberries can reduce inflammation in the body
Inflammation is one of the main causes of disease and illness today, so it’s important to avoid foods that cause inflammation if you want to be as healthy as possible. While most people think about inflammatory foods coming from a jar or a package, fresh fruits like blueberries can also cause inflammation in the body. They are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which means they may trigger an inflammatory response if you eat too many of them at once. But if you eat blueberries in moderation, they can be a great addition to your diet.
5. Blueberries are good for your eyes
Blueberries contain high amounts of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the cells in your eyes from damage and even slow the progression of age-related eye disorders such as macular degeneration. Studies have found that eating blueberries may also help prevent or slow down cataracts, another common eye disorder that is often linked with aging.
Tips For Eating Frozen Blueberries
Use frozen blueberries to make healthy smoothies
One of the easiest ways to incorporate frozen blueberries into your diet is by adding them to smoothies. You can use fresh or frozen fruit in any smoothie recipe, but you’ll get the best flavor and most nutrients from fresh berries. Frozen berries are a great alternative, however, if you don’t have access to fresh produce year-round or if you prefer the taste of frozen fruit (frozen blueberries tend to be sweeter than fresh ones). Frozen blueberries also work well in savory smoothies like this peach and tomato smoothie.
Add them to homemade ice cream for an extra antioxidant boost
Frozen berries make a great addition to homemade ice cream because they help keep it from becoming too hard when stored in the freezer. They also add sweetness and antioxidants without adding sugar or artificial sweeteners — which means you can eat more without feeling guilty! If you want to use frozen blueberries in a healthy homemade ice cream recipe, try this blueberry and basil frozen yogurt recipe from The Healthy Maven.
Add them to homemade granola for a nutritious snack
Granola is one of the healthiest snacks you can make at home, and it’s easy to add blueberries to the mix for extra flavor and antioxidants. Be sure to choose a granola recipe that uses whole-grain oats, nuts, or seeds as the base — not honey or maple syrup. This low-sugar granola with dried blueberries from Wellness Mama is an excellent choice if you want an easy way to add more fruit and whole grains into your diet on a daily basis.
Use frozen blueberries in place of fresh ones if they aren’t in season
Fresh berries are always best when they’re in season, but if you prefer frozen ones year-round you can still use them in recipes like smoothies and oatmeal, just be sure to buy them when they’re in season and freeze them yourself when you get home. You can also use frozen berries in baked goods like muffins and quick bread, but if you do you may need to add extra flour or sugar to offset the extra moisture from the berries.
Add them to your morning oatmeal for a healthy breakfast
Raspberries are another excellent berry for your diet, but blueberries are actually even better for you because of their high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Adding frozen blueberries to your morning oatmeal is an easy way to incorporate more fruit into your diet without adding any additional sugar — simply add a cup of blueberries at the beginning of cooking so they have time to thaw before serving.
Conclusion
Blueberries are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile superfood that can be enjoyed year-round. They’re best when fresh, but they can also be frozen to increase their availability, making them a great option for healthy eating on a budget. Frozen blueberries are a great alternative to fresh blueberries when they’re not in season, and they have many of the same nutritional benefits. Whether fresh or frozen, blueberries can be enjoyed in many different ways. From baking to smoothies, and salads to sauces, these healthy berries can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, both as a snack and part of a healthy diet.
