Get a Boost With Blueberries- Daily Dish

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Registered: 04-01-2004
Get a Boost With Blueberries- Daily Dish
Sat, 06-30-2007 - 7:19am
Get a Boost With Blueberries

Blueberries, which can be enjoyed in Phase 2 of the South Beach Diet®, prove that good things can come in small packages. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, thanks to their anthocyanins — the compounds responsible for their blue hue. They're also a rich source of dietary fiber. But that's not all. Several studies indicate that the antioxidants in blueberries may aid in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, stroke, urinary tract infections, and memory disorders.

Buying
Most fresh supermarket blueberries are cultivated instead of wild. (You are more likely to find the wild variety canned or frozen.) They're typically available between the months of May and September, though you may be able to purchase imported blueberries during the rest of the year. When buying fresh blueberries, look for those that are deep blue with a chalky white appearance. They should move freely in their container. Avoid mushy berries or stained containers.

Storing
Blueberries are the least perishable of all berries and will last in the refrigerator for seven to 10 days. Make sure to remove any crushed or moldy berries before storing, and wash your berries before you are ready to eat them. You can also keep blueberries frozen for 10 months to a year.

Eating
Blueberries should be washed just before you eat them. Sort through your berries to remove any stems or unripened fruit. Once you enter Phase 2, enjoy blueberries on their own or as a topping for plain fat-free or low-fat yogurt or high-fiber whole-grain cereals. They're also really tasty on top of the South Beach Diet® famed recipe for Ricotta Crhme.

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