Blueberries are filled with healthy properties. Blueberries can be consumed fresh, frozen, canned, in blueberry juice, in blueberry tea or as a supplement. Blueberries make a healthy addition to your diet since they are packed with nutrients, low in calories and flavorful. The Highbush Blueberry Council explains that blueberries belong to the heath family, grow in clusters and range in size from a small pea to a marble. Blueberries contain many components responsible for their positive effect on health.
Antioxidants
Blueberries show promise in the ability to prevent some cancers as well as having a neuroprotective effect on the brain, explains the Highbush Blueberry Council. These effects are due to the antioxidants present in blueberries. Antioxidants act to neutralize harmful molecules that damage cells in the body. In comparison to 40 other fruits and vegetables, blueberries contain the highest amount of antioxidants, according to a 1998 study in the "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry" led by R. Prior. Blackberries, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, oranges, bananas and apples all contain smaller amounts of antioxidants when compared to blueberries.
Fiber
A healthful property of blueberries includes soluble and insoluble fiber. Pectin is the soluble fiber found in blueberries, which promotes digestion and blood sugar control since it slows digestions. Slower digestion provides a slower, more controlled release of blood sugars into the blood. The skins of blueberries are insoluble fiber and prevent constipation by absorbing water in the intestines, making stools softer and stimulating peristalsis, which moves food along the intestines. Blueberries contain 3.5g of fiber for a 1 cup serving, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database.
Vitamins
Healthful properties of blueberries include vitamins C and E. Blueberries contain approximately 30 percent of vitamin C needs for the day and approximately 8 percent of vitamin E in a 1 cup serving, as explained by the USDA Nutrient Lab. Both vitamin C and E are needed for optimal health. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin needed for immune function, wound healing, collagen formation and iron absorption. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, preventing damage to cells from outside sources such as pollution, contaminants and cigarette smoke.
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