Blueberries are native to North America. There are about 30 different species, depending on the region in which the blueberry is grown. Blueberries were not consumed in large amounts until the mid-19th century and were not cultivated until the 20th century, according to the World's Healthiest Foods, a website maintained by the George Mateljan Foundation.
Definition
Blueberries grow in clusters and can be as small as a pea or as large as a marble. The color of blueberries ranges from blue to purple-black. Blueberries are known for their anti-oxidant capabilities and low calories.
The CalorieKing website provides nutritional values for a one-cup serving of raw, fresh blueberries.
Basic Nutrition
One cup of blueberries has 83 calories, 21g of total carbohydrates and 3.5 g of dietary fiber. Based on a 2,000 calorie-a-day diet, these measurements represent 7 percent of the recommended daily value for carbohydrates and 14 percent for dietary fiber.
Calories and Fats
One serving has 83 calories, or 4 percent of daily value. Carbohydrates account for 76 calories, fat accounts for 4 calories, and the remaining calories come from protein. The total fat content is 0.5 g, all of which are healthy unsaturated fats. Blueberries have 85.8 mg of omega-3 and 130 mg of omega-6.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates for one cup of blueberries total 21 g, or 7 percent of daily value. They are a good source of dietary fiber, with 3.5 g, or 14 percent of daily value. Sugar content is high in blueberries, with 14.4 g per serving.
Vitamins
Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin K, with 28.6 mg, or 36 percent of daily value. They also are high in vitamin C, with 14.4 mg, or 24 percent of daily value. Other nutrients found in blueberries include vitamin A, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate and pantothenic acid.
Minerals
Blueberries are a rich source of manganese, with 0.5 mg, or 25 percent of daily value. Other minerals include 8.7 mg of calcium, or 1 percent of daily value, 17.8 mg of phosphorus, or 2 percent of daily value, 111.7 mg of potassium, or 3 percent of daily value, and 0.1 mg of copper, or 4 percent of daily value. Other minerals include iron, magnesium and selenium.
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