Blueberry Moscow Mule

Serves 2

Ingredients
225g (1/2 cup) fresh bluberries
110ml (1/4 cup) lime juice
60ml vodka
160ml (2/3 cups)ginger beer
Blueberries, for garnish
Lime wedges, for garnish

Method
Divide blueberries and lime juice amongst 2 glasses and using a drink muddler, lightly mash blueberries.
Fill each glass with crushed ice and equal amounts of the vodka. Top with ginger beer and garnish with additional blueberries and a lime wedge.

Fresh Blueberries Lower Risk of Heart Disease by 15%

As July rolls around, so too does the start of the Australian fresh blueberry season. Since last year, breaking research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found a significant correlation between lowering heart disease and fresh blueberries. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study concluded that eating 150g of fresh blueberries daily decreases the risk of heart disease (Australia's number one killer) by up to 15%. 

The research analysed the benefits of blueberries on Metabolic Syndrome - a condition affecting one-third of westernised adults. Around 30% of Australians suffer from this, and are consequently two to four times more likely to develop heart disease. 

Dr Peter Curtis, study co-author, said: 'We found eating one cup of (fresh) blueberries per day resulted in sustained improvements in vascular function and arterial stiffness.' Both of these directly affect a person's likelihood of developing heart disease. 

This study is not unique in its appraisal of fresh blueberries - adding to multiple previous studies showing both brain and heart benefits from the fruit. The benefits all stem from 'anthocyanins,' which are what gives blueberries their stunning colour. 

'The simple and attainable message is to consume one cup of blueberries daily to improve cardiovascular health,' concluded Dr Curtis.