We’ve all heard that eating blue foods is good for our health, but do you know why? Blue foods are high in antioxidants, which can help protect our bodies from disease. They are also a great source of nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best blue foods to eat and their health benefits. We’ll also provide a list of recipes for you to try!
The first blue food we’ll discuss is blueberries. These little berries are loaded with anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that protect against degenerative diseases like cancer and heart disease. Blueberries also contain vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber and manganese. They make a great addition to salads, smoothies or even eaten on their own for a snack.
Another popular blue food is baby romaine lettuce. This crunchy green is high in vitamin A, folate, magnesium and iron. Baby romaine can be used in salads or sandwiches for a tasty boost of nutrition. It’s also low in calories so it’s perfect for weight loss plans!
Adirondack blue potatoes are a unique type of potato that are high in antioxidants. They also contain potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Roasted or boiled Adirondack blues make a delicious side dish when seasoned with herbs and spices.
Indigo milk cap mushrooms are another great blue food for healthy eaters. These mushrooms provide B vitamins, copper, selenium and zinc. Indigo milk caps can be used to boost the flavor of soups, stir-fries or pasta dishes.
Butterfly peas, also known as the Asian Pigeonwings plant, are uncommon but powerful sources of antioxidants that have been used medicinally for centuries. The leaves and flowers can be eaten fresh or dried as a tea.
Concord grapes and damson plums are both blue fruits that offer plenty of vitamins and minerals. They also contain powerful antioxidants, making them excellent for heart health and cancer prevention. You can make a delicious jam with concord grapes or try damson plums in crumbles or pies.
Elderberries make a great addition to smoothies, desserts and teas. These tiny berries are high in vitamin C, iron, potassium and fiber. Silver Quandong is another unique blue food that’s native to Australia. It’s high in fiber and provides a good source of iron, zinc and magnesium.
Finally, the Blue Marble tree produces an edible fruit similar to cherries that has a sweet-tart flavor. This fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E.
Now that you know about some of the best blue foods to eat, it’s time to get cooking! Here is a delicious recipe for blueberry oatmeal bars:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
-1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup flour
– Pinch of salt
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Add in oats, flour and salt and stir until combined. Spread half of the mixture into a greased 8×8 baking pan. Top with blueberries and spread remaining oat mixture over top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool before cutting into bars and serving. Enjoy!
Eating blue foods can be beneficial to your health in more ways than one! Not only do they provide powerful antioxidants, but they can also help give you an added dose of nutrition that you need each day. Blue fruits and veggies are easy to find at your local grocery store, so start adding them to your diet today! With these delicious recipes, you’ll have no problem enjoying all the benefits that these blue foods offer.
