Healthy Snacks with Blueberries

One fruit a runner needs to eat are blueberries since their health benefits are endless as they dramatically improve mental and physical health! For instance, I always write lots about how barefoot running improves movement coordination, but according to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, blueberries do this, too!

The study found that the polyphenols in blueberries stimulates new nerve cell growth in the motor cortex area of the brain, helping improve balance and movement coordination.

Aside from that, blueberries have strong healing powers, too. According to Andrea Dreisietl, Ph.D, blueberries are high in anthocyanins, which is a strong anti-oxidant that helps your cells produce healing hormones, helping nourish and repair your muscles. Blueberries also contain ellagic acid which breaks-down inflammatory waste products that attack cartilage. And, according to researchers at Northwestern University, consuming 3 cups of blueberries weekly, reduces arthritis risk by almost 20%. What is more, blueberries also contain manganese and vitamin K, which helps promote activity of enzymes responsible for stronger, healthier joints, as per research out of the University of Arizona.

Another amazing health benefit of blueberries is that they make you happier. As if running didn’t make you happy enough, you sure can get a happy-buzz just by eating 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries. According to a study in the journal of Pharmacological Research, eating 1/2 cups of blueberries daily increases serotonin (happy neuro-hormone) levels in the brain.

With that in mind, you might want to take advantage of these guilt-free recipes of healthy snacks with blueberries.

Healthy Snacks with Blueberries

I never realized the cooking versatility of blueberries –they go way beyond being included in just your average salad or batch of muffins, you can eat them with chicken and salmon, too!

Frozen blueberry bites via Skinny Mom

Chicken blueberry with orange vinaigrette via House of Yumm

Healthy blueberry muffins via Dinner at the Zoo

Clean eating blueberry crumb bars via iFOODreal

Thai blueberry basil chicken via Creme De La Crumb

Blueberry oat Greek yogurt muffins via Running with Spoons

Blueberry quinoa breakfast bars via Simply Quinoa

Blueberry honey salad via Blueberries and Muffins

Blueberry bourbon glazed salmon via A Zest Bite

Oatmeal blueberry yogurt pancakes (gluten-free, high protein) via Ambitions Kitchen

Blueberry pineapple salsa via Carlsbad Cravings

Blueberry-dijon chicken via Taste of Home