5 Things to Know About Blueberries

1. Blueberries’ Antioxidant Force
The first thing to point out is that, although blueberries are loaded with taste and antioxidants, they are also low in calories and high in fiber. This makes them the perfect food for dieters and anyone looking for a nutritious snack. One cup of blueberries provides you with the equivalent antioxidant content of five servings of carrots, broccoli, squash, and apples. What this means for your health is a lower risk of heart disease; vibrant, firm skin; and a boost in brain power.

The primary force behind blueberries’ super power is the phytonutrient anthocyanin, a particular type of flavonoid—the one that gives blueberries that deep blue pigment. These antioxidant benefits of anthocyanin are thought to protect your body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Using a test called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), researchers have shown that a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

jane r.

6:17AM PDT on Sep 2, 2011

thanks- taste good and healthy too!

send a green star

Michael K.

5:04PM PDT on Jul 14, 2011

I never eat processed foods. I like putting together blueberries; blackberries and raspberries into a large container of plain Balkan yogurt with a good helping of top grade buckwheat honey. I like to eat that at least twice a week.

Tami K.

6:02PM PDT on Jul 8, 2011

Beware of the processed foods using blueberries in their name or displayed on the packaging. Read the ingredients. There are so many ways to imitate a blueberry.

Past Member .

12:50AM PDT on Jun 30, 2011

thanks

Debbie L.

8:09PM PDT on Jun 29, 2011

oh, reading about blueberries really make me want to eat some right now... especially the last page.

Loo S.

9:56PM PDT on Jun 28, 2011

thanks for sharing.

Alicia N.

3:51PM PDT on Jun 28, 2011

blackberries are just delicious besides nutritious. Thanks for this informative article dear.

selin d.

5:55AM PDT on Jun 28, 2011

thankssss

White F.

6:21AM PDT on Jun 27, 2011

To Jean B.

Yes, I am aware that I can turn the volume off on my computer but I resent having to do that every time I come to Care2. I'd rather have the option of turning off the commercial. I usually keep my sound turned on because I often listen to music while surfing the web. But I can't do that at Care2 because those infernal audio advertisements come on on top of the music. I think that is an extremely rude way to advertise. It's sad that Care2 resorts to such rude tactics. It might not be so bad if the audio commercial was only on the front page but it's on every page so you hear the same thing over and over and over and over and over. The only two options are to turn my music and sound off while here or not come here. I resent being forced into those two options. These black hat advertising techniques reveal an ugly side of Care2.

Susan S.

7:55PM PDT on Jun 26, 2011

I had heard that blueberries were very healthy for you, but I had no idea of all the health benefits. Blueberry smoothies, yogurt, pancakes, muffins, in oatmeal...the possibilities are endless. Thanks for this.