Blueberries are delicious to eat as a snack, but can also help you maintain a healthy body. According to the University of Connecticut Health Center, blueberries are one of the health-promoting "powerhouse" foods that can improve the the way that the body responds to bad cholesterol and to free radicals.
Properties
Blueberries contain large amounts of phytonutrients and antioxidants that are powerful in fighting diseases and cancers. Blueberries are also extremely high in vitamin C, which is helpful in building up the immune system as well as fighting off free radicals that can attack the body, inside and out.
Benefits
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council suggests that blueberries can lower the cholesterol in the body that is typically associated with heart disease and stroke. When this LDL cholesterol is reduced, blood clots that may be in your body, which would normally results in heart attacks and strokes, will be less likely to become trapped.
Considerations
Blueberries that are grown locally will have less distance to travel before reaching your table. This means that the blueberries can be picked when they are perfectly ripe, instead of being picked too early so that they will ripen upon reaching a supermarket across the country. Blueberries that are picked when they are perfectly ripe will contain a larger amount of nutrients than blueberries that are picked too early.
Warnings
Always consult your doctor or naturopath before changing or altering your diet. If you experience redness of the skin, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the mouth or tongue, stop eating the blueberries and consult your doctor or naturopath. This could indicate an allergic reaction to the blueberries.
