Blueberries Health Benefits

Tap to Read ➤ Shashank Nakate

There's more to blueberries than just the taste. The presence of antioxidants in this sweet, tangy fruit makes it beneficial in fighting the process of aging. This story provides the various health benefits of eating blueberries, their calorie content as well as nutritive value.

The blueberry plant that is native to North America, produces blue-colored berries that are very nutritious. The commonly available blueberries belong to genus Vaccinium and the species cyanococcus . The fruit, which is actually a false berry, is greenish in color in the raw state. Gradually, the color changes to a reddish purple; and finally turns blue in the ripened stage.

Health Benefits Here is a list of all the health benefits that this fruit has to offer.

♦ Anti-aging: The antioxidants in this fruit help in reducing the damage caused by the free radicals. Free radicals can be defined as a chemical species which damage biological systems, and are, therefore, considered responsible for aging of the body.

The antioxidants create a counter effect against the process of aging and make one look more youthful. The high content of vitamin C also helps in the same.

♦ Eye Care: The presence of vitamins (C, E, A), flavonoids and carotenoids in this fruit helps in maintaining ocular health. Eye problems such as macular degeneration, hypermetropia, myopia, and cataract can be reduced and prevented with the intake of this fruit.

♦ Prevents UTI: Infection in the urinary tract is caused due to growth of bacteria near the inner wall of the urinary tract, mostly E. coli. Affected individuals experience inflammation while passing urine. The heavy, polymer-like molecules in this fruit inhibit the growth of these bacteria, while the antibiotics support the functioning or working of these polymers.

♦ Prevents Brain Disorders: These berries contain vitamins - A, C, E, and B; minerals - sodium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese; and anthocyanins. These protect the brain from various neurotic disorders by preventing the degeneration of brain cells and neurons.

Alzheimer's disease can be cured to a great extent with the help of these berries. It also helps in maintaining the health of the central nervous system.

♦ Helps Cure Cancer: The berries contain chemical compounds like ellagic acid, pterostilbene, and anthocyanin, which are useful in preventing and curing cancer. Pterostilbene is especially helpful in treating liver and colon cancer.

♦ Aids in Digestion: The presence of various vitamins, minerals, and acids in these berries helps in improving digestion. These berries is also high in fiber and thus, help relieve constipation.

♦ Boosts Immunity: The vitamins (A, B, C and E), and anthocyanin help in boosting one's immunity.

Calorie Content Blueberries have a high amount of nutrients, however, their calorie content is quite low. A cup of fresh, raw berries contain 84 calories, whereas, the dried ones contain up to 350 calories.

Cultivation of Blueberries The species commonly grown in North America is the Vaccinium corymbosum (also known as Northern highbush blueberry). The hybrids of the V. corymbosum with other species have been produced in order to suit the southern climate. In North America, these are cultivated between mid-May and September.

The important cultivars of North and South America are Vaccinium pallidum (Dryland Blueberry) and Vaccinium arboreum (Sparkleberry) respectively. The maximum number of highbush blueberries are produced in Michigan, British Columbia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Washington, and Oregon.

Disclaimer : This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by a nutritionist.