Why we call blueberries... BRAIN BERRIES!

What are the benefits of BLUEBERRIES?  

The more I learn about blueberries, the more I fall in love with them... because these small berries pack a mean punch!   Seriously, here's a few of the amazing benefits: 

• Antioxidant properties

• Protects against cognitive decline

• May help lower cholesterol 

• May help improve memory, concentration and coordination

• Loaded with Vitamin C

• May help prevent heart disease 

• Anti-inflammatory properties

You can check out some more benefits + fun tidbits here, if you'd like! 

“You want to be in love not with someone’s body but their brain. ”

— Dr. Daniel Amen

How can you use BLUEBERRIES in your beauty regimen? 

Here's a sweet DIY all-natural body scrub recipe... it made sense to try it, since blueberries are known for being loaded with antioxidants which is great for the skin + the sugar is an excellent exfoliator.  I like to add a wee bit of lavender essential oil to give it a relaxing-spa-like vibe.  

So.  Here you go, love!

ALL NATURAL BLUEBERRY BODY SCRUB

GROCERIES: 

• 1 cup of sugar

• 1 cup of frozen blueberries

• 1/2 cup of coconut oil  (room temperature)

• Few drops of lavender essential oil (optional) 

NOW WHAT?

1. Take a gallon zip-lock bag and place blueberries in it, sealed.  You will be CRUSHING the blueberries with a rolling pin and this will help reduce mess + aid in crushing.  

2. In a bowl combine the sugar as well as the crushed up blueberries.  

3. Stir in the coconut oil (+ optional lavender essential oil) into the blueberry/sugar mixture.

4. Place mixture into individual sealed glass containers (air tight).  Use within the week. 

5. To use, apply a small amount on your wet skin - scrub gently - then rinse off with water and pat dry.  Avoid contact with open wounds, eyes or sensitive areas.  

NOTE:  Just a note, some folks even take it a wee bit further and use blue sprinkles in their blueberry body scrub.  

I'm not that fancy ;) 

What is your favorite recipe with BLUEBERRIES? 

Blueberries are so delicious and quite handy!  We simply wash... dry... and place in a jar for a quick road-trip snack.  They are also used to top our Saturday morning pancakes with a wee bit of drizzled maple syrup on top.  We sneak them into muffins for a treat and even bake them into a delicious berry tart topped off with macadamia nuts.  Oh my-lanta, that's my favorite!!!  

Anywho.  One of my 4s graduates (foodie + fitness peeps) introduced me to this Basil Smoothie... and with the garden overflowing with this friendly herb, we jumped on the chance to try it out!  This superfoodie smoothie is loaded with amazing anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidants... to help jumpstart your brain while giving your skin a healthy glow.  

{ and who doesn't want that, right?!? }  

BASIL BERRY SMOOTHIE

GROCERIES: 

• 1/2 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)

• 4 fresh basil leaves, washed and chopped

• 1/2 cup of water

• 1/2 cup of almond/coconut milk, unsweetened

• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

• 8 ice cubes

• handful of spinach, optional 

NOW WHAT?

1. Wash the produce thoroughly. 

2. Blend the milk and water with the greens thoroughly.  

3. Add the fruit and blend again.

4. Finally, add the protein powder and ice then blend for the final time. ENJOY!   

NOTE:  For another delicious summer treat, you may opt for fresh mango instead of the blueberries... still 1/2 a cup!

If you have any tidbits about blueberries, then share below or shoot me an email -- I'd love to learn more.  Because the more you know... the more you grow!  Until then...

love + gumption.

a. 

Brain + Gut Health Explorer