Benefits of Blueberry Juice

Benefits of Blueberry Juice
Photo Credit group ob blueberries image by Tomo Jesenicnik from Fotolia.com

Blueberries, a staple of summer since they are in peak form from May through October, have the two-fold benefit of being nutritious and relatively low calorie. One cup has about 80 calories. As the many health benefits of blueberries become well-established through large research studies, more companies are looking to bottle blueberry juice, so you can enjoy the flavor and nutrients all year round.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants include certain vitamins and nutrients that help fight the effects of free radicals, unstable atoms that damage cells. Little blueberries are packed with antioxidants, such as anthocyanins. As TrueBlue, the maker of a popular brand of blueberry juice, notes, the darker the blueberry the higher the level of anthocyanins and the more powerful the berry's antioxidants.

Vitamin C

The Blueberry Council reports that one serving of blueberries or one cup blueberry juice contains 25 percent of your daily recommended requirements for vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital to a healthy immune system, as well as healthy gums and capillaries, especially important if you're at risk for microvascular disease. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron.

Urinary tract health

You may have been told that cranberry juice is especially helpful in fighting off urinary tract infections. And while that's true, it also should be noted that blueberry juice offers those same protections. Both juices contain compounds that reduce the ability of E. coli to adhere to the lining of the bladder and urethra.

References

Article reviewed by Scott Silverstein Last updated on: Apr 28, 2010

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