BC Blueberries Wants To Keep Your Heart Healthy (And Your Tastebuds Happy)
February is Heart & Stroke Awareness Month, and BC Blueberries knows exactly what to do about it
Valentine’s Day comes and goes. As do some Valentines, if we’re being honest. The one thing that remains constant, though, seeing you through heartache, heartbreak, and heart happiness, is your own heart’s resilience and strength. Which is why this February – the official month of love but also Heart & Stroke Awareness Month – we’re celebrating our own hearts. Showing our own hearts the love and attention they deserve. Giving our own hearts the best chance at health for the long haul. One of the smartest, and yummiest, ways to do that? Embrace the addition of BC blueberries to our daily diets.
How so?
Well, for one thing, did you know that BC blueberries (both fresh and frozen) are great sources of fibre and antioxidants, both of which contribute to heart health? Or that blueberries have also been linked to protecting the heart during a heart attack and repairing it after damage?
In fact, according to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, up to 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented if you follow healthy life habits — such as including more BC blueberries in your diet, and keeping physically active.
Some more interesting blueberry facts proving that this superfood is berry good for you and your heart:
- Blueberries are filled with antioxidants, which help to neutralize harmful by-products in the body known as “free-radicals.” Free-radicals can lead to cancer and other age-related diseases.
- Studies prove that consumption of blueberries can help lower blood pressure. High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is the main risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. Ergo, consumption of blueberries can help lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Eating just one 125 mL (1/2 cup) serving of blueberries (fresh or frozen) makes up one of the 7-10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables (for adults) recommended by the Canadian Food Guide. In other words, BC Blueberries are an excellent way to get your daily source of heart-healthy fruits and veggies.
- Need more convincing? Check out an entire bushel of blueberry health facts here!
The best part? Not only are BC blueberries available all year round (check the freezer aisle in your local BC grocery store for frozen BC Blueberries in packaging labelled “highbush,” “Product of Canada,” or “cultivated”), but they are delicious and extremely versatile. Snack on these nuggets of sweet delight straight from the bag, incorporate them into heart-healthy treats, add them to salads, main dishes, sauces, beverages, and breakfast options. Indeed, BC blueberries go with just about everything.
For more mouthwatering inspiration on how to incorporate more BC Blueberries into your daily routine, check out the recipe tab at bcblueberry.com or follow along on social @bcblueberries.