Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries are the fruits of a shrub that belong to the heath family, which includes the cranberry and bilberry as well as the azalea, mountain laurel and rhododendron.

Blueberries grow in clusters and range in size from that of a small pea to a marble. They are deep in color, ranging from blue to maroon to purple-black, and feature a white-gray waxy "bloom" that covers the surface serving as a protective coat. The skin surrounds a semi-transparent flesh that encases tiny seeds.

There are many health benefits of blueberries, among them are :

1. Immune System Enhancer : Blue Berries, being very rich in anti oxidants like Anthocyanin, vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper (a very effective immune builder and anti-bacterial), selenium, zinc, iron (promotes immunity by raising haemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood) etc. boost up your immune system and prevent infections.
Enhanced immune system means you are more resistant to infectious diseases particularly colds and flu.

2. An excellent source of antioxidant : Antioxidant are molecules that can neutralize harmful free radicals that can eventually cause cancer. Blueberries are well stocked with Vitamin C and Anthocyanin. In fact, blueberries ranked no 1 in terms of antioxidant contents among fruits. Antioxidants also can reduce the risk for cataracts, dementia, glaucoma, alzheimers, and many other diseases.

3. Reduced risk of Heart Disease: The nutrients in blueberries along with their low fat and low sugar all work together to help people reduce their tyglycerides and cholesterol and in turn low their risk for a heart attack.

4. Brain Health: The anthocyanin, the selenium, the vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, the zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese etc., among others, can prevent and heal neurotic disorders by preventing degeneration and death of neurons, brain-cells and also by restoring health of the central nervous system. This fruit is highly recommended to those affected by nervous-related diseases.

5. Eye Health: As people get older their visions tends to get worse and worse. Blueberries, with their high concentration of anthocyanosides have been shown to help slow this deteriation of vision.

6. Digestive Health: lueberries are high in sodium, copper, fructose, and acids that all help improve digestion. They are also high in fiber which helps to prevent constipation.

7. Low in sugar: Blueberries however are really low in sugar in comparison to other fruits. A cup of blueberries has roughly 80 calories and they are very low on the glycemic index. As a result blueberries are a better choice than many other fruits.

Tips & Facts:

1. Remember, the deeper the color of the Blue Berries, the more they are rich in anti oxidants and other medicinal values.

2. Choose blueberries that are firm and have a lively, uniform hue colored with a whitish bloom. Shake the container, noticing whether the berries have the tendency to move freely; if they do not, this may indicate that they are soft and damaged or moldy. Avoid berries that appear dull in color or are soft and watery in texture. They should be free from moisture since the presence of water will cause the berries to decay. When purchasing frozen berries, shake the bag gently to ensure that the berries move freely and are not clumped together, which may suggest that they have been thawed and refrozen.

3. They keep you fresh, active, fit, sharp, close to nature and in a good mood, as they are very good anti depressants.

Source:

http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm
http://www.losethattyre.co.uk/the-major-health-benefits-of-eating-blueberries-regularly/