Blueberries Health Benefits

Benefits of Blueberries

Ahhh...blueberries. I could eat buckets of ‘em. Let’s go over a few things about this delicious, delicious berry.

Blueberries are native to North America.

They come in 2 species, the smaller ones known as “lowbush berries” and the bigger ones called “highbush berries”.

The berry tastes sweet and is used to make all kinds of things---pies, jams, muffins. Blueberry bushes bear fruit from May to October and July is National Blueberry Month in the US and Canada.

Blueberries Antioxidants

Blueberries are rich in iron and in the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. They also contain lutein, which is important for maintaining healthy vision.

Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals that damage cell membranes and DNA. One of the main drivers of aging is this free radical damage (known as oxidative stress); it's also one of the root causes of chronic disease.

More Good Stuff in Blueberries?

Yes, concentrated in the deep blue pigment of the blueberry are phytochemicals called anthocyanins and phenolics. These also fight off cancer-causing free radicals.

Anthocyanins also prevent heart attacks by stopping blood clots from forming. And they strengthen the tiny capillaries in the back of the eyes, preventing the onset of macular degeneration.

These chemical compounds also slow the cognitive decline (mental clarity, motor skills, and memory capacity) that comes with aging. Noted neuroscientist at Tufts University calls the blueberry the "brain berry".

At Rutgers University in New Jersey, researchers have isolated compounds in blueberries called proanthocyanidins that promote urinary tract health. They help prevent infection by stopping bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.

Live in the country?

Go to a farmer’s markets where they sell blueberries harvested that day. Better yet, visit a berry farm; many of them let people pick their own blueberries. It’s a fun activity for couples or families to do together.

3 fresh blueberry tips:

1. Store fresh blueberries in a covered container in the refrigerator. They should last a week.

2. Before storing, remove damaged berries to prevent mold from spreading and spoiling the whole lot.

3. Don't wash blueberries until right before eating them. Washing removes the bloom that protects the skin.

Live in the city?

You can find fresh, canned, and frozen berries at almost any grocery store. Frozen, unsweetened blueberries make a healthy alternative late-night snack (much better than potato chips).

3 frozen blueberry tips:

1. Before freezing, wash thoroughly and remove any damaged berries.

2. Spread the blueberries out on a cooking sheet or in baking pan. Put it in the freezer until the berries are frozen.

Then put the blueberries in a plastic bag for storage. This will guarantee an even texture when you thaw them.

3. Blueberries last a year in the freezer.

Make sure the blueberries you eat are deep blue and firm.

Based on research at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, blueberries top the list of antioxidant-rich foods. Fresh blueberries are more powerful than most other fruits and veggies.

Blueberry in a Supplement

You can find blueberry supplements, just google it. But don’t bother. Scientists rank wild blueberries #1 in antioxidant activity out of all fruits and vegetables. Why take a pill when you can eat fresh blueberries?

If you do want to take supplemental blueberry, get it in the standardized extract form. This form concentrates the active ingredients.