Celebrate Summer with the Power of Blueberries!
FoodTrients Says Celebrate Summer with the Power of Blueberries!
When it comes to small but mighty summer fruits, blueberries stand out. Is there anything simpler and more delicious? Enjoy them by the handful or add them to smoothies, yogurt, whole-grain cereals, pancakes, desserts—you name it!
Grace O, the visionary founder behind FoodTrients, champions the idea of food as medicine, sharing information on how food can help us age better and live healthier lives. This month Grace focuses on the health benefits of blueberries.
Reflecting on her roots, Grace shares that “growing up in the Philippines, blueberries were a rare treat, so I appreciate the abundance of fresh berries available here in California. Native to North America and now widely cultivated in Chile and New Zealand, blueberries are an undisputed ‘superfood.’ They are high on any list of foods that benefit your body and mind!”
So, what can these little blue wonders do for you? They offer:
Brain Food
Compounds in blueberries called polyphenols help maintain signals between neurons in the brain. Maintaining those signals helps with memory, especially as we age. Animal studies have shown that daily consumption of blueberries can slow impairments in coordination and motor function associated with aging.
Antioxidant Rich
Compounds like anthocyanin, a flavonoid that is responsible for giving foods like blueberries, cranberries, red cabbage their deep hues, are plentiful in blueberries. By now you’ve probably heard that these are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to many killer diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
Maintain Healthy Bones
Blueberries contain good amounts of iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K, which all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength. Adequate vitamin K intake improves calcium absorption and may reduce calcium loss.
Lower Blood Pressure
Maintaining a low sodium diet goes a long way to lowering blood pressure. Blueberries contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally.
Boost Cardiac Health
According to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health, regular consumption of anthocyanins, which are plentiful in blueberries, can reduce the risk of heart attack by 32% in young and middle-aged women. Blueberries’ fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and phytonutrient content, all support heart health. Vitamin B6 and folate prevent the buildup of a compound known as homocysteine, which can damage blood vessels.
Fight Wrinkles
Just one cup of blueberries provides 24% of your daily need for vitamin C. Collagen, the skin’s support system, relies on vitamin C to help prevent and repair damage caused by the sun, pollution, and smoke. Vitamin C also promotes collagen’s ability to smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.
Grace’s healthy living program is built around nine age-defying “FoodTrients,” which she incorporates into her recipes and articles. They are: Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Beauty, Detox, Disease Prevention, Gut Health, Immune Boosters, Mind, and Strength.
To see the full article and more blueberry recipes, click here.
Blueberry Upside-Down Cake
Serves 10–12
Aside from their superfood status, blueberries are delicious and versatile. This mouth-watering Blueberry Upside-Down Cake recipe is from my book, The Age Beautifully Cookbook. I’ve used blueberries in this version, but you can also use any seasonal summer fruit including plums, pears, apples, peaches, mangoes, and cherries. You can also use all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free. This cake can be served warm or cool.
FoodTrients:
Mind
Beauty
Antioxidant
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
½ cup light-brown sugar
2 cups fresh blueberries or other seasonal fruit
1 cup gluten-free or regular baking flour
½ cup almond flour
½ cup coconut flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
1 tsp. salt or salt substitute
1½ cups Xylitol or sugar
1 cup cubed and slightly softened unsalted butter
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 large eggs (organic, free-range, or Omega-3-enriched), separated
¾ cup plain yogurt
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Make the topping: In a saucepan or 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar, stir, and cook for 2–3 minutes or until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a 10-inch round cake pan (or leave in skillet if oven-proof) and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Lay the fresh fruit over the mixture evenly and set the pan aside.
- Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flours, baking powder, and salt and set aside. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the xylitol or sugar and butter until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Blend in the eggs one at a time. Gradually add the flour mixture and blend thoroughly. Slowly fold in the yogurt.
- Spoon the batter evenly over the fruit in the pan and bake on the middle oven rack at 350 degrees for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife along the inside edge of the cake pan while it is still warm to loosen it.
- Cover the cake pan with a plate or large tray and turn it upside-down to invert the cake onto the plate.
Chef’s Note: If you’re using another type of fruit, be sure to peel, slice, and de-seed it if needed. The slices should be about ¼-inch thick.
About FoodTrients
FoodTrients® is a philosophy and a resource dedicated to the foods and rejuvenating nutrients that help us fight the diseases of aging and promote longevity. All of the recipes combine modern scientific research and medicinal herbs and ingredients from cultures around the world. They’re loaded with flavor and superfoods, which promote wellness, increase energy and vitality, improve skin, and help people look and feel younger. For more information and recipes visit www.FoodTrients.com.
For more information:
CONTACT:
Trina Kaye – Public Relations / The Trina Kaye Organization / TrinaKaye@tkopr.com / 310-963-3964
