Blueberries are super tasty and they make a heck of a pie or cobbler, but they are also a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits. They are low fat, low calorie, and full of fiber, and they are packed with antioxidants, which are known to fight disease and help with brain health. Read on for five solid benefits - other than taste - of enjoying blueberries this summer!
- Vitamin C. Did you know that one serving gives you about 25% of your daily dose of vitamin C? Vitamin C is an immune system booster and also helps with collagen production.
- Reduce cancer risk. Anthocyanins are compounds that give blueberries their deep color and help improve heart health, and they may also help attack cancer-causing free radicals according to a study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- Boost brain health. Blueberries may be a preventative for cognitive decline. In a study of human subjects at the University of Cincinnati, researchers found that older adults who were given blueberry juice scored higher on memory tests than subjects who were given a placebo.
- Improve heart health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US, and studies suggest that berries, including blueberries and strawberries, may reduce the risk of heart disease in women, thanks to the afore-mentioned anthocyanins.
- Fight UTIs. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that adhere to and grow inside the urinary tract. Like cranberry juice, blueberries contain substances that inhibit bacteria from binding to bladder tissue.
