Blueberries are small, round, blue, or purple-colored berries that grow on flowering shrubs. This post brings you some interesting blueberry facts for kids. These berries are close relatives to other berries such as bilberries, grouse berries, or cranberries and are native to Northern America. They taste sweet and are loaded with beneficial nutrients and health benefits. Blueberries are also regarded as ‘superfoods’ for children owing to their several health benefits and versatility in various dishes. Pediatricians and nutritions worldwide commonly recommend them for babies to help with their healthy growth and functioning. Read on to know more interesting facts about blueberries that you can share with your children and inspire them to eat these berries.
Blueberry Facts For Kids
The blueberries are small and round shaped fruits with a diameter of around 5-16 millimeters. Initially, they are green but change to a purplish blue color as they ripen. The blueberries are two varieties, the high-bush blueberries that are grown in the US and the low-bush blueberries or the wild blueberries that are smaller in size but richer in antioxidants. Considered one of the most nutritious berries, they are powerhouses of energy and nutrients. One cup of blueberries (148 grams) contains 24% of the RDA recommended Vitamin C, 36% of the RDA recommended Vitamin K and 25% of the RDA Manganese, in addition to fiber.
Blueberries consist of around 85% of water and have very low levels of calories and carbohydrates but are rich in nutrients. The antioxidant compounds that are found in blueberries belong to the family of polyphenols and are called flavonoids. One group of flavonoids, anthocyanins, is especially useful for anti-aging, prevention of cancer and heart diseases. Maine in the US produces most number of blueberries in the world. Blueberries are used as natural food dye.
Health Benefits Of Blueberries For Kids
1. Acts Against Cancer Cells:
Regular consumption of blueberries helps prevent DNA damage and reduce the chances of developing cancer from a very early age. The antioxidants in the fruit destroy the free radicals floating in the blood stream and reduce oxidative DNA damage.
2. Lowers Cholesterol:
Blueberry juice or powder helps in lowering cholesterol in the blood and prevents numerous heart diseases. Consuming blueberries in any form from at an early age keeps the heart healthy, lowers the levels of cholesterol and aids in the proper functioning of your kid’s heart.
3. Improves Brain Function:
Blueberries also help maintain brain function, reduce oxidative damage to the brain cells and improve the memory of your children. Consumption of blueberries can help your child to learn and memorize things better, assist in the cognitive development of the brain and reduce stress in the body as well as the mind.
4. Controls Muscle Damage:
Blueberries reduce muscle damage caused by long hours of playing or strenuous exercise. It helps your kids to gain strong and flexible muscles and learn better body balance to perform the everyday challenges of life with more zeal and enthusiasm that aid in their performance.
Easy Blueberry Recipes For Kids
Eating blueberries in fruit form may be boring for you kid. Include the fruit in various recipes to ensure that your child is having sufficient quantity of it. Here are a few recipes that you can try.
1. Ice Cream Pie With Warm Blueberry Sauce:
Ingredients:
1 refrigerated piecrust 1/3 cup of fine sugar ¼ cup of water 2 bowls of freshly grated blueberries 1 tablespoon of corn flour 2 pints of vanilla ice cream 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon finely ground Tart pans of 4 inches each
How To:
2. Blueberry Muffins:
Ingredients:
2 cups of flour ¾ cup of granulated sugar 2 teaspoons of baking powder ½ teaspoon of kosher salt ½ cup unsalted butter, previously melted and kept for cooling 2 large and fresh eggs 1 ½ cups of blueberry 2 tablespoons of turbinado sugar for flavoring
How To:
3. Fruit Kebabs With Blueberries:
Ingredients:
3 cups blueberries 1⁄3 cup cream cheese 2 tablespoons apricot preserves 2 cups watermelon or pineapple Pieces of apples
