in the kitchen with brandi by BRANDI GIVENS
in the kitchen with brandi by BRANDI GIVENS
RD , CPT
BRAVO TO BLUEBERRIES , THE PICKLEBALL FRUIT
S
Sorry , pickles . Major League Pickleball ( MLP ) has chosen a different fruit as its official food , and it is a dietitian favorite : blueberries ! Last spring , the league partnered with the U . S . Highbush Blueberry Council ( USHBC ), showcasing these nutrition-packed indigo gems at events nationwide .
What Makes Blueberries Special ?
All plant foods offer nutritional benefits , but blueberries are uniquely high in several antioxidants , which can help protect your body from invading free radicals . Free radicals originate from toxins like pollution , sun exposure , alcohol and stress . They can cause what ’ s called oxidative damage to your cells .
But what are free radicals and antioxidants ? In relatable pickleball terms , a free radical is a molecule that ’ s like that well-known banger at your local club who wildly swings away at every ball . Just like that guy , free radicals can potentially cause harm to your body .
An antioxidant is a protective molecule . Much like a skilled partner who can block those crazy shots softly into the kitchen , antioxidants neutralize danger from uncontrolled free radicals .
The antioxidants in blueberries include :
• Anthocyanins — These are powerful antioxidants that are given credit for most of the berry ’ s benefits . There are more than a dozen different anthocyanins concentrated mainly in the skin of the berries , giving them their ( name ?) rich hue .
• Vitamin C — Not only is this nutrient an antioxidant , it serves countless functions in the body — from immune support to being an essential player in collagen synthesis .
• Quercetin — This pigment may help keep blood pressure normal and reduce the risk of heart disease .
• Myricetin — A plant compound that may help ward off cancer and diabetes .
Blueberries are also high in :
• Vitamin K , a nutrient that helps your blood clot after you dive for that net-dribble .
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