Blueberry Nutrition…

Blueberries are considered a Superfood because they are packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids. Antioxidants help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. These berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a key driver of all chronic diseases, so blueberries have a host of benefits.

• Researchers have shown that blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity.
• When selecting blueberries, the darker they are, the more antioxidants they have, and frozen are just as good as fresh.
• Blueberries help with short-term memory loss associated with aging.
• Blueberries contain many of these naturally occurring antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E (14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup).
• They also contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants.
• Blueberries have compounds called proanthocyanidins that promote urinary tract health and reduce the risk of infection by preventing bacteria from adhering to the cells that line the walls of the urinary tract.
• Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin A, C, E, K, and beta-carotene, as well as rich in the minerals potassium, manganese, magnesium.
• These berries are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
• They are also a good source of dietary fiber. A diet high in fiber contributes to heart health, helping to keep cholesterol in check. Fiber also aids in digestions and helps maintain regularity.
Manganese plays an important role in the development of bones and in the metabolism of protein.