Wild blueberries are one of the most healing foods on the planet.
Wild blueberries are the ultimate health and wellness food. Why is this? One reason is because it is a “wild” food. Food from plants that can grow on their own without help from humans are called “wild foods”. Wild foods usually have higher levels of vitamins and minerals compared to similar foods and also contain higher levels of phytochemicals, which are healing compounds found only in plants.
Wild foods are highly adaptable. This is necessary in order to survive when faced with drought, changes in temperature, poor soil quality or other obstacles. In fact, no other food is able to adapt the way wild blueberries can. They will come back even stronger after being burned to the ground. This is important for humans, since when we eat wild blueberries, they pass on their ability to adapt to us. And in this lightning-fast world that we live in that moves and changes so quickly, the ability to adapt is critical to survival.
Wild blueberries are very different from their cultivated varieties. They are smaller and much sweeter, so they taste better. They are a deep blue all the way through the berry. This blue pigment is where many healing phytochemicals occur, which provide strong healing powers. And they have a significantly higher proportion of antioxidants than any other food. This is important since antioxidants help prevent many diseases including cancer, and also slow down aging. Other benefits include support for the liver, especially helping it to detoxify toxins, such as chemicals, plastics, artificial hormones, and heavy metals that get into our bodies from food, water, air and medicines. The brain gets a nice boost as well since it provides healthy glucose, vitamins and minerals that the brain needs to function at its best. Since it is an excellent prebiotic, it supports the gut by feeding the healthy microorganisms that live there.
Wild blueberries are found in the freezer section of most grocery stores. You can throw them in smoothies, serve them over oatmeal, or eat them as a snack. You can blend frozen wild blueberries with frozen bananas to make a delicious dessert. I put 2 cups of wild blueberries in a smoothie (along with a banana or frozen mango) every day for breakfast. It tastes amazing and I feel great knowing that I am starting my day by prioritizing a food that is so beneficial for my health and wellness.
So, the next time you are near the freezer section at the grocery store, pick up a bag (or two) of wild blueberries and make them a priority in your day to day life. Your body (and mind) will thank you.
Knowledge is power. Here’s to your health.
Karen M. Gutierrez, PhD, RN, Advanced Holistic Nurse- Board Certified
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