As you become more aware that you are aging the most powerful step you can take is to eat foods that strengthen your immune system. Blueberries totally protect you with its arsenal of disease fighting antioxidants in the form of flavonoids. This berry stands up to scientific scrutiny showing off its abilities to slow aging and even stop aches, pain and inflammation which accompanies the aging process.
Blueberries are known to boost the effectiveness of vitamin C a major strengthener of the immune system. With the help of blueberries your immune system will be able to reduce inflammation production and increase protective immune function. Free radicals from cellular stress create havoc on the immune system. Blueberries can help manage the stress on the immune system by being a free radical scavenger; leaving the immune system geared up to do it's work of protecting you from the formation and growth of cancer cells.
Blueberries out performed strawberries and even spinach in its ability to protect the brain's ability to keep its coordination, balance and – let's keep our fingers crossed prevent the degenerative processes associated with dementia or Alzheimer. Is this good news or what? . Here is what can happen if you make a transformation in thought and action about bringing this berry into your meals. You will reap the benefits of brain supporting anthocyanins. This helps your brain cells to communicate better: that means no more senior moments. Fewer degenerating brain cells translate to youthful brain function, Yippee! This keeps you able to remember and learn new skills to weave this berry into your diet to protect your immune system.
Blue berries come packing another weapon in the form of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid fights for you by blocking and detoxifying the metabolic pathways that can support cancerous growth. Cancer is caused by a breakdown in immune system function. Scientific research demonstrated that people who regularly ate fresh fruit with ellagic acid were three time less likely to develop cancer. Blue berries have as much as 9 times the ellagic acid as found in other fresh food sources like walnuts, strawberries and pecans.
Yield not to the temptation to pig out on blueberry jam, tarts or over sweetened juice drinks. Sugar is bad news to the immune system.
To get started on your Berry Therapy here is my priceless, arsenal packed Blueberry Smoothie that will readily fight for you. Sweet! You doctor wishes he could write this Beriscription. Blueberry Smoothie
Use orange juice fortified with vitamin D. It helps to enhance your immune system's ability to control inflammation.
4ozs. Calcium fortified orange juice 4ozs. water or unsweetened berry herbal tea 2 handfuls frozen blueberries 1 half of a ripe frozen banana ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract 1 teaspoon almond butter
Put the liquid in a Vita Mix type heavy blender; add berries, banana and the rest of the ingredients. Blend. This takes about 10 – 15 seconds.
Note: You can add one teaspoon of honey to make this sweeter. If you are diabetic and adjusting to the taste of less sugar omit this. If you have arthritis the almond butter helps to relieve inflammation and pain. If not you can use any nut butter you favor.
Freeze fresh berries when they are in season June through September. Select berries that are uniformly colored, plump, firm and mold free.
Slice bananas and freeze in flat plastic containers for ease of removal. Enjoy!
Celia Westberry M.S is the author of Eat Yourself Younger Effortlessly- The easy way to slow aging, feel great, and look good. She helps people to eat their best every day to be healthier, happier and more fulfilled. To get her free eBook: Secrets of Healthy Eating Revealed click: Here To get her book with recipes to slow aging and strengthen the immune system click here: EYYE Copyright, Celia Westberry 2007. All rights reserved.
