With beautiful hues of blue and nutrition from nature, a blueberry smoothie recipe benefits overall health.

 

blueberry smoothie recipe plant image of new growth

Blueberries belong to the genus Vaccinium. The fruit  from these shrubs are filled with phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber.  In particular, phytonutrients of berries help protect the plant from invaders such as ultra-violet rays, disease and harmful bugs.

Aside from the micronutrient content of vitamins and minerals the phytonutrients of plants are said to benefit humans as well. The flavonoids known as anthocyanins are the indigo, purple and red pigments that give color to fruits such as blueberries blackberries and cranberries. Tones are determined by the pH.  These chemical compounds found in the myriad colors of fruit and vegetables are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

blueberry smoothie recipe image of blueberries and raspberry as antioxidants

Blueberries have an exceptional antioxidant capacity per serving.

Antioxidants help fight excess free radicals which come from the body's metabolic processes and elements of the outside environment such as the sun or pollution. These unstable molecules can damage cellular structure and DNA causing the death of healthy cells and disease.   .

A blueberry smoothie recipe also contains notable amounts of Vitamin C, K , the mineral manganese and fiber.. One cup of blueberries supplies roughly 25 percent of the daily requirements for Vitamin C and manganese.  Vitamin K satisfies 35 percent of the recommended daily allowance while the fiber content supplies 14 percent.

A Blueberry Smoothie Recipe Enhances Health

- Because of its antioxidant power, a blueberry smoothie recipe serves the cardiovascular system by protecting blood vessel structures and naturally lowering cholesterol.

- Studies have shown blueberries may improve brain function by saving nerve cells from oxidative stress and by increasing the function of neuron signals.

- The antioxidant power of Vitamin C and anthocyanins charges the immune system to fight infection and promote healing.

- The mineral manganese activates enzymes used in metabolizing carbohydrates and fats and also in absorbing vitamins. Manganese is necessary for bone health and helps with inflammation. As a component for superoxide dismutase, eating foods with manganese contributes to the antioxidant power of this enzyme.

- The Vitamin K in blueberries helps with blood clotting, bone function and inflammation reduction. It  plays a key role in the formation of the myelin sheath which covers the axon of a nerve cell. Vitamin K is needed for the synthesis of sphingolipids.

- The macronutrient fiber in blueberries works to prevent constipation and cleanses the digestive system.  

- Urinary tract infections can be healed by eating blueberries, much like the compounds found in cranberries.

- Ongoing research finds the benefits of blueberries to thwart cancer due to the ellagic acid content, also prevalent in red raspberries. Ellagic acid is said to encourage the regular death of cancer cells and to stop tumors from growing.

Native to North America, the blueberry plant offers its fruit as a healing gift. Try this blueberry smoothie recipe:

  •     1 Cup Blueberries
  • 1/2 Cup Red Raspberries
  • 1/4 Cup Cranberries
  • 1/4 Cup Filtered Water

Find more recipes like the blueberry smoothie recipe to heal and balance your internal systems look about the site.

Blueberry smoothie recipe