10 Reasons to Choose Nature’s Superfood for Nutrition Month
Eat healthy & locally during National Nutrition Month with frozen BC Blueberries
Have you been focusing on your nutrition this month? March has been deemed National Nutrition Month to emphasize the importance of making healthy choices to fuel your lifestyle.
Since March follows a month that’s all about chocolate indulgences and precedes a month for candy eggs and marshmallow bunnies, it seems like the perfect time to refocus on nutrition.
To help British Columbians prioritize eating right in March, we’re sharing 10 reasons why frozen BC Blueberries should be the go-to snack for National Nutrition Month.
- Frozen BC blueberries are just as nutritious as fresh blueberries
Studies have shown that since BC blueberries are frozen right after they are picked, they are equal in freshness and quality, and contain as many antioxidants as fresh berries.
According to Canada’s Food Guide, frozen or canned vegetables and fruit are “just as nutritious as fresh vegetables and fruits” (Government of Canada, 2021). Read more about fresh versus frozen blueberries here.
- Low in fat
One cup of frozen BC blueberries is equal to one serving of fruits and vegetables, contains only 40 calories, and has virtually no fat.
- Packed with vitamin C
One serving of frozen BC blueberries (one cup) is almost 25% of one’s daily vitamin C requirement.
- Full of Fibre
Fibre helps to keep the body regular, the heart healthy, and cholesterol in check. Frozen BC blueberries are filled with high levels of fibre.
- Part of a low GI diet
Frozen BC blueberries and other berries have a low glycemic index (GI) so they’re a great choice for those with type 1, type 2, or pre-diabetes. Even if you don’t have diabetes, eating foods with a low GI will decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications, leave you feeling fuller for longer, and allow you to maintain or lose weight (Diabetes Canada, 2021).
- Protect the heart
Besides being packed with all the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that keep your heart healthy and strong, blueberries have also been linked to protecting the heart during a heart attack and repairing it after damage.
- Keep the mind healthy
Not only are they tasty, but eating blueberries can contribute to improved brain health. BC blueberries contain antioxidant compounds that work against harmful by-products in the body known as 'free radicals.' Free radicals contribute to age degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- Reduce health risks
Due to their high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, blueberries reduce your risk of developing dangerous diseases, including cancer. Studies have shown a link between blueberries, nutrition, and reduced growth of breast cancer, as well as reduced growth of colon cancer cells.
- Are the antioxidant superfood
BC blueberries (fresh or frozen) aren’t just Canada’s number one small fruit export, they’re also one of the world’s superfoods. They contain antioxidant compounds called Anthocyanins, which give blueberries their amazing colour, and have the important job of helping to eliminate those ‘free radicals.’
Free radicals can form through biological reactions in the body from factors such as sun, pesticides, and pollutants. If left to roam, these free radicals can attack the body and cause diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s.
- Taste delicious!
Frozen BC blueberries are always in season, making them delicious year-round! There are many ways to cook with frozen BC blueberries, including in soups, entrees, pancakes and breakfast smoothies, and many others. To learn how you can cook with frozen BC blueberries, visit our Recipes page.
If you have a recipe, photo, or comment about why you’ll be choosing nature’s superfood this month, tag @bcblueberries on socials so that we can reshare your content.
