Heart and Stroke Awareness Month: Prevention is Key

Abbotsford, B.C. – According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, eight in 10 cases of premature heart disease and stroke cases are preventable through healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Of the various risk factors, making those healthy lifestyle choices – such as eating right and being physically active – are in your power to control.

One simple way to start improving your heart health is to increase your intake of fruit and vegetables, which are packed with nutrients (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre). Because of their high antioxidant levels, blueberries are considered one of the leading super fruits by researchers in Canada (and the US) who keep finding more and more health benefits from this tasty berry.

While fresh blueberries are still a few months away, the BC Blueberry Council points out that you can find an abundance of BC-grown blueberries in the frozen foods section of your local supermarkets. 

“Even frozen, BC blueberries are one of the best choices to include in a healthy diet,” says Anju Gill, executive director of the BC Blueberry Council.  “A cup (250ml) of blueberries in your smoothie or sprinkled in a salad is an ideal way for people to get their daily servings of fruits and vegetables.”

The BC Blueberry Council is proud to offer an abundance of heart-healthy recipes on its web site.  From blueberry smoothie ideas – Blueberry Green Zinger Smoothie – to main courses such as Blueberry Turkey Burgers. For vegetarians, try the Roasted Yam and Blueberry Kale Salad or the ever- popular Blackbean Veggie Burgers with Blueberries.

With over 80 years of blueberry-growing experience, the BC Blueberry Council represents over 600 highbush growers. Combined these growers have more than 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) of highbush blueberries planted in order to meet growing demand.  The BC Blueberry Council has a strong commitment to on-farm food safety and works diligently with blueberry growers and collaborates with packers and processors to ensure that BC blueberries meet the highest standards for food safety and quality. For more information: www.bcblueberry.com.

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Media contact:

Diana Barkley, PR for the BC Blueberry Council

T: 604-614-6624 E:  dianabarkley@icloud.com