Nature's Antioxidant: Blueberries

We've always heard about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, but what fruit sets itself apart from the rest? Blueberries!

Blueberries are known to have the highest level of antioxidants amoung all popular fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries seem to benefit your brain by aiding brain function and delaying cognitive decline.

As we age, our bodies tend to lose many of the vitamins and minerals needed to sustain a healthy, active lifestyle. Blueberries are high in Fibre and in Vitamins C and K, which can support heart health.

These tiny blue pearls of goodness can also help slow the effects of aging by repairing damaged DNA, help fight UTI's (Urinary Tract Infections), improve memory, and reduce muscle damage after a hard workout!

According to Medical News Today, blueberries can also help manage Diabetes. Studies have found that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have low blood glucose levels, and people with type 2 diabetes who consume the same may have improved blood sugar, lipid, and insulin levels.

Recipe for Success

Adding blueberries to your daily routine is as easy as adding a handful to your morning cereal, oatmeal, or pancakes! You can find numerous recipes for muffins, scones, smoothies, cakes, jams, and sauces!

Here's one of my favourite recipes from Wilmot Blueberry Orchards in Ontario, Canada!

Blueberry Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Blueberry Juice

• 3 packets of Unflavoured Gelatin

• 3 1/2 cups Thawed Frozen Wilmot Blueberries

• 1 cup Whole Milk

• 2 cups 35% Whipping Cream

• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar

Method to Make Cream Layer:

1. In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup milk and 1 packet of gelatin. Stir to combine and set aside for 10 minutes.

2. In a heavy, medium-sized saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of milk, 2 cups of whipping cream and 1/2 cup sugar. Over medium heat, constantly stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquids are warm, without letting the mixture simmer or boil.

3. Add the gelatin mixture, whisking until the gelatin has dissolved.

4. Pour this mixture into a pitcher or liquid measuring cup, to make it easy to pour into the glasses.

5. Place glasses or other serving vessels on an angle on a muffin tin to keep them stable in the fridge.

6. Pour the cream mixture into the angled glasses and place in the fridge to set, for approximately 4 hrs.

Method to Make Blueberry Layer:

1. In a small, microwaveable bowl, combine 1 cup of Blueberry Juice and 2 packets of gelatin. Stir to combine and set aside for 10 mins.

2. Place thawed blueberries in a blender and blend until smooth, and yields about 1 1/2 cups of puree.

3. Place the bowl with juice and gelatin mixture in the microwave for 1 min.

4. Add warm juice and gelatin mixture to the blueberry puree and blend on low to combine.

5. Pour the mixture into the glasses to top the cream layer and let set in the fridge for approximately 2 hrs.

Garnish with fresh blueberries, mint leaves or chocolate curls and enjoy.

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