By Jean Sumner
Blueberries have the highest amount of antioxidants of all the berries; they protect against urinary tract infections, cancer, age related health conditions, brain damage from strokes and may reduce the buildup of bad cholesterol. They contain vitamins A and C, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium. They are high in fiber and low in calories. The perfect diet food!
Since blueberries are a great low calorie fruit that help increase your metabolism while suppressing your appetite, blueberries make a great guilt free afternoon snack and a great addition to a healthy breakfast as well.
The pigments that color fruits and vegetables — blueberries, strawberries, carrots, spinach, pomegranates — are molecules called flavones and flavonoids, which actually turn off cancer genes. They actually stop damage to our cells. This is how human beings evolved, eating a lot of plant foods. But the standard American diet is not high in fruits and vegetables.
The blue and purple hues of blueberries indicate that they are high in anthocyanin. Laboratory research as well as studies in animals and humans has suggested that anthocyanins may play important roles in helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cognitive decline, and cancer.
Blueberries are known for their ability to reduce the effects of aging. They help with mental clarity as well as the physical concerns associated with aging such as wrinkles.
With all these great reasons to make sure blueberries are in your diet on a regular basis.