Blueberries Nutrition

The important health benefits of blueberries

If you look at any food pyramid, you'll know that eating a minimum of five vegetables and fruits each day is good for you. Experts also recommend also that you attempt to eat as many fruits or vegetables of different colors as possible.

A Look at Blueberries Nutrition

We eat different colors of vegetables and fruit because the colors of the fruits and vegetables determine their healthiness of the various foods.  Blueberries, for example, are dark in color and are filled with nutrients—almost more than any other food. Blueberries are felt to have anti-cancer properties, powerful antioxidant properties and can actually prevent cancers from occurring in the first place.

While blueberries are well known to prevent cancer, they are also being researched for other health benefits.  One of those health benefits found is in the area of brain protection and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of memory loss. One other benefit is that of enhancing the function of the urinary system.  This versatile berry has also been found to set back the aging process. In research studies, blueberries have been found to contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins and phenolics that appear to have benefits against cancer and aging.  

What are Antioxidants?

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly those known as anthocyanins.  Anthocyanins are also found in blackberries, grapes, radishes, apples and red cabbage.  As healthy as these fruits and vegetables are, they do not hold a candle to the amount of anthocyanins found in blueberries.  Research studies are ongoing that are looking into the ability of blueberries to reduce dangerous blood clots and to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease  A diet high in blueberries will also help you see better at night as well as prevent a type of blindness known as macular degeneration or breakdown of the retina of the eye.

To add to their healthy effects on your body, blueberries can also help your waistline.  If you eat a half cup of fresh blueberries, you're only eating 40 calories.  This is amazing considering how many minerals, vitamins and other healthy substances you'll be eating.  There is iron, vitamin C and lots of fiber in your blueberries. Fiber, important to your digestive system, is found in great amounts in fresh blueberries. For every serving of blueberries you eat, you'll get 2 grams of fiber to add to your daily recommendations for fiber intake.

Blueberries should be a common item in your diet.  They're full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber.  Some people believe that blueberries are very close to the perfect food.