You may be unaware of the fact that July is National Blueberry Month. These small little berries can pack a nutritional punch unlike any other berry out there. Blueberries are a healthy alternative snack for everyone, but seniors will find lots of benefits from eating them.
Brief History
This wonderful celebration of this powerhouse of a berry came about in July of 2003, when the United States Department of Agriculture proclaimed that July will be the official month of celebration. The humble blueberry has had a hard road to get to the grocery store.
Blueberries have been enjoyed by humans for centuries, typically what’s known as the “low-bush” variety, or the wild blueberry. This blueberry produces intensely flavorful berries. The issue is, “low-bush” blueberries cannot be domesticated. This created a problem for early farmers that wanted to grow the crop. In 1911, Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville began a collaboration to attempt to cultivate a strain of blueberry that could not only be grown by farmers, but also plants that would produce larger fruit. In 1916, they did it, and the modern blueberry plant was created.
Health Benefits
Blueberries pack a lot of nutrients in their small demeanor. Seniors will find that blueberries can give them a healthy alternative to processed snacks. Studies have been done and determined that blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. Researchers have actually found that those over 50 years of age that consume blueberries on a regular basis were found to have reversed minor neural and motor skill issues on a small scale. Scientists are currently in the process of seeing how this can be amplified to produce a bigger change in seniors with dementia.
Blueberries have also been shown to reduce the amount of wrinkles in skin, decrease the risk of contracting a disease, and even boosting memory. How? Blueberries contain powerful antioxidants that have given them the designation of what is known as a “superfood”. These types of foods are reserved for certain foods that contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and those that provide health benefits that have been proven by numerous studies. But don’t let that fool you.
When compared with a placebo, blueberries were shown to almost double the memory performance of seniors with dementia. This revealing information could have huge benefits for seniors as far as prevention, treatment, and even possible a cure. Of course, many more years of studies will need to be conducted before a viable blueberry derivative is created that can perform such a task, but the science is pointing to the possibility being quite fruitful.
Conclusion
Blueberries are ripe with possibilities. Not only are they delicious by themselves, as jams or jellies, or baked into delicious treats, they are also really good for anyone that eats them. Enjoy them in the month of July while they are at their freshest. Reap the rewards of such a healthy, flavorful fruit. Find them at local farmer’s markets, grocery stores, and if you’re lucky, in the wild in their “low-bush” variety. Be well.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, Dining Perfected, and Fitness Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
