Superfood of the Week: Blueberries

Sarah-Jane Bedwell, SELF magazine

Yahoo Lifestyle Entertainment 

Need a little something to brighten up those dreary days? Try adding blueberries to your next meal! Not only does the fruit's vibrant color add a pretty pop to any dish, but also, according to the United States Highbush Blueberry Council, 78% of women who eat blueberries say they add a boost to their day. That's probably because in addition to bursting with sweet, juicy flavor, blueberries are also loaded with health benefits.

Just one serving (1/2 cup fresh) of blueberries provides 25% of the immune system-boosting vitamin C you need each day. Plus, the 'lil berries are packed with filling fiber and are an excellent source of manganese, a free element that helps convert nutrients found in food into energy your body can use. Add to that the anthocyanin compounds that ward of disease and you basically have the perfect snack. Sure, you can throw them in your yogurt or eat them on their own, but try some of these unique ways to use blueberries to add a fun boost to your day.

Top your toast with blueberries. Swap out sugary jelly and butter on your typically morning toast or bagel for peanut butter and blueberries. Topping your toast with blueberries helps to satisfy your sweet tooth while giving you a nutritious start to your day. Plus, the added fiber from the blueberries will prevent that mid-morning sugar crash that leads to those poor coffee break snack choices.

Add blueberries to your favorite pasta or pilaf. Adding blueberries to your pasta salad or quinoa side dish might sound a little strange, but blueberries' juicy, fruity flavor pairs perfectly with the nutty notes in whole grain pasta, brown rice or quinoa. Plus, they add a cheerful pop of color to an otherwise dull-looking dish.

Use blueberry puree to make a syrup to add a sweet flavor to your favorite savory meats. Blueberries' sweet flavor pairs well with almost any protein from chicken to fish to steak. Try these recipes for Skirt Steak with Blueberry Chimichurri Sauce, Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry Sauce, Grilled Salmon Flatbreads with Fresh Blueberry Salsa and more!

Try dried blueberries on the go. Need an antioxidant-packed snack that you can take with you? Try adding a couple of tablespoons of dried blueberries to a couple tablespoons each of your favorite nuts and whole grain cereal for an energy-boosting snack that you can enjoy anytime!