It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Blueberry Haven! With just over two months until Christmas (yes, you read that correctly), we are beginning to receive our holiday stock, with new shipments arriving daily. We are doing our part to help all of you with your holiday gift giving. Of course, we are thrilled to oblige when it comes to sharing the fruit that has put Southwest Michigan on the map, especially during the holidays.
Fortunately for all of you, we are having a special on all online shopping orders that are placed this week and next week. So, if you want to save yourself some money, go to our website (blueberry-haven.com) and place your order today. We even allow you to make your purchases now and delay the delivery so the packages arrive closer to the holidays. We do try to accommodate you in so many ways to make your shopping experience easy.
I always try to purchase plenty of products for the holiday season, but my crystal ball method isn’t perfected quite yet! As a result, we have been known to run out of some of our best sellers before the rush is over, so make sure you stop in sooner rather than later.
People sometimes ask me why they should consider giving blueberry products to friends, family and coworkers during the holidays. For years I have told them how unique and tasty our blueberry products are, in addition to blueberries being good for us. And, I recently came across some information that gives an entirely new perspective on the blueberry craze and the many benefits of eating them. They really are a gift that keeps on giving!
According to Medical News Today, there are nine possible health benefits of blueberries. Check out the following excerpt from medicalnewstoday.com and see why blueberries just might be the perfect gift:
Maintaining healthy bones—The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K in blueberries all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength. Iron and zinc play crucial roles in maintaining the strength and elasticity of bones and joints.2 Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture, while adequate vitamin K intakes improve calcium absorption and may reduce calcium loss.5
Lowering blood pressure—Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure. Blueberries are naturally free of sodium and contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally.3
Managing diabetes—Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of blueberries contributes 3.6 grams of fiber. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 grams of fiber per day for women and 30-38 grams per day for men.
Warding off heart disease—The blueberry’s fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and phytonutrient content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. The fiber in blueberries helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease. Vitamin B6 and folate prevent the buildup of a compound known as homocysteine. When excessive amounts of homocysteine accumulate in the body, it can damage blood vessels and lead to heart problems. According to a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of East Anglia, regular consumption of anthocyanins can reduce the risk of heart attack by 32% in young and middle-aged women. The study, which was led by nutrition professor Aedin Cassidy, PhD, MSc, BSc, found that women who consumed at least three servings of blueberries or strawberries, showed the best results.4
Preventing cancer—Vitamin C, vitamin A, and various phytonutrients in blueberries function as powerful antioxidants that help protect cells against free radical damage. They inhibit tumor growth, decrease inflammation in the body and help ward off or slow several types of cancer, including esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate and colon.1 Blueberries also contain folate, which plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair, thus preventing the formation of cancer cells from mutations in the DNA.1
Improving mental health—Population-based studies have shown that consumption of blueberries can reduce the risk of cognitive decline as well as Parkinson’s disease—a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from cell death in parts of the brain.5 Studies have also revealed that in addition to reducing the risk of cognitive damage, blueberries can also improve short-term memory loss and motor coordination.4
Healthy digestion—Because of their fiber content, blueberries help to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.
Weight loss and satiety—Dietary fiber is commonly recognized as an important factor in weight loss and weight management by functioning as a “bulking agent” in the digestive system. High fiber foods increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller for longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake.
Fighting wrinkles—Collagen, the skin’s support system, relies on vitamin C as an essential nutrient that works in our bodies as an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution and smoke. Vitamin C also promotes collagen’s ability to smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Just one cup of blueberries provides 24% of your daily need for vitamin C.
Wow—that’s quite a list of compelling facts about blueberries! Why wouldn’t you want to give a gift that has all these health benefits AND tastes great? Give a gift that people WANT, something they can EAT!
As always, we promise to package your purchases beautifully and ship them wherever you need them to go. If you have sent some of our products in the past and you are looking for something different, no worries—we have several new products on our shelves just in time for the holidays. Stop in and be one of the first customers to try our new muffins, pancakes and blueberry applesauce. We are sure you will love them all.
