Blueberries
Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. They are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanin, vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, as well as copper, selenium, zinc, and iron.
Cancer
Blueberries contain phenolic compounds which, in harmony with anthocyanin and other antioxidants can do wonders to prevent or treat cancers. Studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that the phenolic compounds in blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation. Another study at the Beckman Research Institute showed that blueberries have the potential to inhibit the growth of Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a particularly aggressive form of breast tumor.[7]
Heart Disease
Blueberries have a high anthocyanin content. Anthocyanin has been shown to dilate arteries, counter the buildup of plaque, and provide other cardiovascular benefits. Blueberries are also rich in fiber and antioxidants which also help reduce the likelihood of heart attacks. A Harvard School of Public Health study published in the January 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that eating three or more servings of blueberries per week may reduce a woman’s risk of heart attack by as much as 33%.[8]
Memory Problems
When it comes to brain health, there really is nothing quite like blueberries, some have even called them “brain berries”. Blueberries contain anthocyanin, selenium, vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E, zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. These power-packed berries can help prevent degeneration and death of neurons, brain-cells and restore health of the central nervous system. Blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related memory impairments like dementia and even Alzheimer’s. Blueberries have even been shown to improve learning capacity.
Pain and Inflammation
Blueberries are excellent anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. Blueberries increase the amounts of compounds called heat-shock proteins which help reduce inflammation and pain. Blueberries also contain salicylic acid which is the natural version of aspirin and is known to thin the blood and reduce pain.
Urinary Tract Infections
Everybody knows that cranberries help fight urinary tract infections, but for those of us who do not appreciate their tartness, blueberries are an excellent choice. Blueberries have been shown to be quite beneficial to urinary tract health. Bacteria like b-coli are responsible for urinary tract infections. Blueberries have a compound which inhibits the growth of these bacteria. Blueberries also have some antibiotic properties which add to this effect.
Vision Problems
Blueberries have the potential to slow down visual loss and prevent or delay age related ocular problems like macular degeneration and cataract due to their high levels of antioxidants including Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), Flavonoids (resveritrol, quercetin), vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A, selenium, zinc and phosphorus, which are very beneficial to ocular health.
Weight Loss
Blueberries contain catechin, which is a natural phenol and antioxidant known to activate fat-burning in abdominal fat cells. Studies have shown that eating blueberries regularly increases abdominal fat loss and total weight loss.