Blueberries
Photo courtesy of geekphilosopher.com
Blueberries are the best known source of antioxidants and are therefore effective against many age-related illnesses and many forms of cancer. Numerous studies have been done on how blueberries benefit the nervous system, vision, and brain function.
Individuals suffering from kidney or gallbladder stones may want to avoid blueberries because they contain oxalates, which can sometimes exacerbate these conditions.
Choose blueberries that are completely blue, with no hint of red. The best berries will have a silver shimmer. Blueberries do not continue to ripen after harvesting.
| Serving size: | 1 cup whole berries |
| Region: | Mountainous and wooded regions of North America |
Health Benefits
| Colon | Relieve diarrhea and constipation. |
| Concentration/Learning | Significantly improve learning capacity. |
| Eyes/Vision | Improve eyesight, particularly night vision, and prevent age-related vision loss. |
| Memory | Help protect against dementia and Alzheimer's disease. |
| Motor Function | Improve motor skills. |
| Urinary Tract | Contain compounds that help fight urinary tract infections. These same compounds are also found in cranberries. |
Nutrients
| Fiber | 3.6 g | 14% | |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg | 17% | |
| Vitamin K | 28.6 mcg | 36% |