Don't get blue, get blueberry!

Blueberries increase the production of the feel good chemical dopamine. So when you are feeling blue, reach for the happy berry.

Blueberries also contain catchins, that according to research at Tufts University, when eaten regularly can boost weight loss and increases the amount of abdominal fat lost when consumed as part of a healthy diet.

Blueberries are also reported to have beneficial effects in the brain, protecting it from some environmental toxins. Researchers have dicovered in animal studies, that compounds found in blueberries may reverse some age related memory loss and motor skills decline.

Blueberries contain significant levels of the phytonutrient quercetin, which may reduce the likelihood and severity of allergies. Good news for hay fever sufferers, like me. The little blue fruit also contains salicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, which is proven to thin the blood. They are a good source of anti-inflammatory chemicals which can reduce age related inflammation and cell damage.

My wife found a good recipe on the web and adapted it slightly to make it a little more healthy. Please note though, these pancakes are not wonder foods, you still need to exercise restraint and only eat them sensibly.

Wholewheat blueberry buttermilk pancakes

Ingredients:

125g wholemeal flour
pinch of salt
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 egg
250ml low fat buttermilk
45g of vegetable oil
85g crushed blueberries

How to:

1. Mix buttermilk, egg and oil and pour into the dry ingredients.
2. Mix lightly until the dry ingredients are all incorporated. Do not over work the mix.
3. Fold in the blueberries.
4. Spritz a heavy bottomed frying pan with Fry light, or other spray oil and set the heat to medium and allow the pan to heat up.
5. Spoon a generous dessert spoon of mixture into the pan and cook until brown on both sides.

 Makes 12 -16 pancakes.

These pancakes freeze well and can be reheated, from frozen, under a grill for a couple of minutes on each side. Serve with a teaspoon of maple syrup on each pancake (around 17 calories for a teaspoon of syrup). I like them as part of a healthier fry up breakfast.



The science:
Tufts Journal: catechins effect on abdominal fat.