Blueberries are low in calories. According to the statistics on the world’s healthiest foods, a cup of blueberries which is about 145 grams hits the meter at just 81 calories. The calories come from the nutrients packed in a single berry: carbohydrates, fat, and protein. A single serving is equivalent to about 30% of the daily value of Vitamin C that our body needs each day. It also has significant amounts of manganese, dietary fiber and Vitamin E which contributes to the daily nutritional needs of our bodies as well.

The results of researches done by the USDA Human Nutrition Centre and Tufts University say that the blueberry holds the number 1 spot, beating other fruits and vegetables in terms of the capacity to fight free radicals in the body. The antioxidant capability of this fruit makes it a prime participant in the war against cancer and other age-related diseases. Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins, a phytonutrient that eases the damage in cells and tissues caused by free radicals. Blueberries are a great remedy to cell damages that can lead to a hoard of diseases such as – varicose veins, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids, the fatal cancers and heart diseases.

Anthocyanin, which is responsible for the bluish red hue of blueberries, supports the vascular system by improving the structure of the veins and capillaries. This phytonutrient also creates a more stable collagen matrix (the basic substance of all bodily tissues) and protects them by preventing harmful enzymes from tearing apart collagen fibers.

The battle against vegetables may still be prevalent in households with kids, but moms can find other healthy alternatives that would not meet the same resistance. The blueberry is certainly one thing you can add to your diet and you will not feel deprived. With a distinct flavor that everyone loves, you may find yourself always craving for this fruit. And this is a hunger you can definitely indulge in!

Now onto the health benefits of blueberries:

Helps Reduce The Risk For Cancer And Other Age Related Illnesses
Blueberries have the highest concentration of antioxidants as compared to all other fruits. They are extremely rich in anthocyanin compounds which are one of the most powerful forms of antioxidants known to man. There are also several other extremely beneficial antioxidants found in blueberries. Antioxidants are known specifically for helping to eliminate free radicals which in turn is suggested to lower the risks for many age related illnesses including cancer and heart disease.

Extremely Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Blueberries are known to have high amounts of naturally occurring vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, selenium, manganese, and much more. Eating blueberries is an excellent way to get the vitamins that your body needs and get them in their natural form rather than through a multi-vitamin. Many of the vitamins in blueberries are major contributors to a healthy immune system which means that eating more blueberries may mean getting sick less.

Lowers Cholesterol
Blueberries contain an antioxidant called Pterostilbene which has been shown to reduce cholesterol as well or better than prescription medications.

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
Recent studies have shown that blueberries contain the compound Epicatechin which is know to work by preventing bacteria from attaching to the lining of bladder tissue. This allows the bacteria to be discarded during urination.

Improves Eyesight
Blueberries, as said before, contain the antioxidant anthocyanin which is widely known to help improve eyesight in many different ways. It has been proven to help reduce eye strain, improve night vision, and improve the speed at which your eyes are able to adjust to changes in light (going from light to very dark areas quickly).

Improves Digestion
Blueberries are rich in fibers that help to improve digestion and are a way to fight constipation naturally.

Helps To Improve Brain Function
Blueberries are known to improve brain function, especially in older adults. It is also believed that in some cases they actually help reverse some of the age related decreases in brain function.

Fast forward to the present time, blueberries are still growing in popularity in many parts of the world aside from Northern America, where it is an indigenous fruit. Even homeowners have discovered the wonders of growing their own blueberry plants at home, with the goal of having a constant supply of fresh produce whenever they need it. With over a hundred varieties to choose from, anyone who desires to produce their own blueberries can cultivate the variety that is ideal in their location. The better known varieties are Northblue, Bluecrop, Berkeley (popular among home growers!), and Chandler, the world’s largest blueberry.

We have known since childhood that orange and yellow colored vegetables are good for the eyesight. It is a lot more fascinating when mothers slyly add carrots or squash to their children’s meals. But studies on ophthalmology reveal that eating more fruits helps one stay away from vision destroying diseases. Simply tossing in a cup of blueberries onto a bed of greens, or even serving them alongside salmon, chicken, or ice cream, is enough for you to meet your daily needs. Of course, this should go hand in hand with other fruits.

So whether you like blueberry yogurts, blueberries smoothies, blueberry pancakes, muffins, tarts and pies, or you just happen to like the simple goodness of a fresh blueberry, surely you cannot go wrong when you eat this delicious fruit. Take it from the Native Americans: this tiny wonder is packed with a lot more benefits than you could ever imagine!