It’s hard not to appreciate the sweet, juicy flavor of a little blueberry. And with so many nutrients packed into each petite blue gem, what’s not to love?

With back-to-school season just around the corner, here are some great ways (& reasons) to make use of the blueberry this time of year!

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Blueberries contain a type of flavonoid known as anthocyanins, which gives them their beautiful dark coloring. This, as well as a wide range of compounds, deliver some potent antioxidant powers.

A single cup of blueberries provides 24% of your daily vitamin C, and 36% of your vitamin K needs. Blueberries also provide iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper, folate, beta-carotene, folate, choline, vitamin A and vitamin E. Phew! Not bad for something so itty-bitty, huh?

All of this means that blueberries are beneficial for:

maintaining healthy bones
lowering blood pressure
managing diabetes
keeping heart disease away
preventing cancer
improving mental health
improving digestion and weight loss
and even fighting wrinkles!

Other good news? They’re kid-friendly and cold-weather friendly as well. So you might very well be growing one of the Northern varieties in your backyard right now! And if so, the kiddos in your life are probably snacking.

Which is why we think blueberries are a great addition to your back-to-school breakfast routine. Here’s a fabulous smoothie that tastes great and will provide all the health benefits above to your family as you run out the door!

RECIPE TIME:

Simple & Sweet Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup milk
1.5 cup frozen blueberries (or 1 cup of fresh blueberries and 1 cup ice)
2 teaspoons honey
Optional for Health: 1 tbsp of flax seeds or chia seeds
Optional for Health: 1/2 cup of fresh spinach leaves
Optional for Flavor: a pinch of fresh mint leaves or 1/2 a banana

Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until frothy! Serve immediately.

Wishing you a smooth back-to-school season from all of us here at The Cabinet Store + Culina Design! If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen or bath, create a family-friendly mudroom, or add some cabinetry to your TV area, stop by and see our amazing showroom of possibilities today!

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