Perfect Foods - Blueberries

Blueberries are the most purchased fruit on the market. Because they are loaded with antioxidants, blueberries are often considered a perfect super food. According to the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging blueberries have the highest antioxidant activity of all fruits. Blueberries also have a long list of potential health benefits.

Blueberry Basics

Blueberries grow on shrubs in clusters and are related to cranberries and bilberries. Like cranberries, blueberries help prevent and eliminate urine tract infections. Blueberries range in size and color and are often sweet tangy or tart. There are 30 different species of blueberries grown throughout North America which are not readily available elsewhere in the world.

Anti-Aging Properies

In a study performed by USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, laboratory mice that were fed blueberry extract showed a slowed loss of age related mental capacity. Blueberry-fed mice performed better in learning and memory tasks and demonstrated increased exploratory behavior. These finding suggest that blueberries may be helpful when it comes to reducing the effects of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's.

Nutrition

Blueberries are a relatively low-calorie and low-fat food making them an excellent option for any snack. Blueberries have about 80 calories per cup, and are a good source of dietary fiber which support heart health and healthy cholesterol levels. Blueberries are also an excellent source of manganese -- a mineral necessary for proper bone development as well as protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. One cup of blueberries has almost a third of the recommended amount of Vitamin C you should have in a day.

Antioxidants

Blueberries are high in oxidants like Vitamins E and C, anthocyanins and phenolics. Anthocyanins are antioxidant flavinoids which have some of the strongest physiological effects of any known plant compound. These flavanoids support human health by neutralizing enzymes that destroy connective tissues, protect against neurological diseases, prevent atherogenesis and have mild antibiotic properties against harmful intestinal bacteria. A study published in the "Alternative Medicine Review" found that anthocyanins may improve eyesight and improve eye fatigue. Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg of vitamin E in a single cup. Antioxidants are beneficial because they can neutralize potentially harmful, cancer-causing free radicals.