Fresh blueberries and lemons make this a refreshing drink you will crave all summer long.
Around this time of the year I am always thirsty for a cold beverage. Fizzy drinks make me feel bloated, so I tend to lean toward fruity drinks instead. I really love my Fresh Strawberry Lemonade, so thought I try a blueberry version this summer. I tried making it the same way I did the strawberry lemonade, but just wasn’t happy with it. A while back I made a blueberry syrup for my Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Muffins, so decided to give that a try and it worked perfectly.
BLUEBERRIES
The phytonutrients in these berries function as antioxidants and as anti-inflammatory compounds. The antioxidants in blueberries work to defend the whole body from oxidative stress.
Blueberries are full of antioxidants in the form of flavonoids. The flavonoid anthocyanin (found in blueberries) is a pigment that gives many foods their shades of blue, purple, and red. They function as anti-inflammatory compounds in our body. A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, showed that out of 100 different foods tested blueberries had some of the highest levels of antioxidants.
Benefits of Eating Blueberries:
Studies have show that blueberries contain a bacteria-blocking substance that helps guard against urinary tract infections
Nutrients in blueberries have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers
There is evidence that damage to muscles following strenuous exercise can be reduced by eating blueberries
Blueberries have been shown to protect us against oxidative stress in the brain and may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
BLUEBERRY NUTRITION
1 cup (fresh)
Calories 84
Vitamin C 14 mg
Vitamin A 80 IU
Vitamin K 29 µg
Potassium 114 mg
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice
- 5 cups water
- Add blueberries, ¾ cup sugar, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over low heat until blueberries have burst, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Strain blueberry syrup. Combine blueberry syrup into a large pitcher with fresh lemon juice, and water.
- Stir until combined.
- Serve over ice.