Blueberries are seasonal North American berries in the same family as the cranberries. Their sweet but slightly tangy flavors provide contrast. Blueberries are often a main ingredient in baked goods and juices.
Beyond taste, blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, specifically ellagic acid. Blueberries also provide vitamin C, vitamin E and manganese; they are also low in calories. Several medical research studies have shown that ellagic acid is successful in use for use in the treatment of cancer.
Types of Blueberries
Blueberries grow on shrubs and vary in size. Conventional store bought blueberries are quite large, almost the size of a dime. In contrast, wild blueberries are smaller, almost miniature in size. You can buy fresh blueberries from late spring until autumn in the United States at grocery stores or farmers markets; frozen and dried blueberries are available year-round.
Ellagic Acids Defined
Ellagic acid is one type of beneficial antioxidant. It is found in blueberries and in several types of fruits, nuts and berries, such as pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts. Many studies have found that ellagic acid plugs up metabolic paths that cause cancers.
Ellagic acid also prevents binding of carcinogens to DNA and prohibits mutations within cellular DNA. It also inhibits cancer by killing off cancerous cells and stopping the growth of tumors. In addition to prohibiting cancer, ellagic acid is antibacterial and also lowers glucose levels.
Other Antioxidants
Blueberries also are a rich source of anthocyanins, another type of dietary antioxidant compound. Anthocyanins are the pigments in fruits, vegetables and flowers that produce blue, red or purple colors.
Anthocyanins are helpful in slowing the aging process and reducing overall inflammation. These antioxidants are also helpful in fighting heart disease, tumors, blood clots and allergies.
Additional Health Benefits
In addition to ellagic acid, blueberries also contain soluble fiber and pectin, which helps lower cholesterol and keeps bile functional. According to several studies, eating blueberries also may help with brain cognition and function.
Blueberries also have special substances that stop the binding of bacteria to the bladder. Eating blueberries or drinking unsweetened blueberry juice can help reduce urinary tract infections
Using Blueberries
For fresh blueberries, wash them gently just before eating. Blueberries can be very fragile, so protect them from bruising. Frozen berries can be thawed for use in recipes or even eaten frozen as an iced treat on a hot day.
Blueberries can be used in a variety of ways, including: making parfaits, topping breakfast cereals or waffles or baking muffins or pies. Some home chefs use blueberries for savory dishes, like a salads or sauces.
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