Blueberries are one of nature's "super fruits" because they are very dense in essential nutrients.
There are dozens of blueberry strains growing in the wild. Each of them can range in taste from sweet to tart and come in many shades of blue and purple, but they all have one thing in common -- they are good for your health.
Flavenoids
Flavenoids and flavenols are two little-known compounds that have shown to possess biological properties including antioxidative, antimicrobial and potential anticarcinogenic and/or cardioprotective effects. One reason blueberries are so good for you is because they have a much higher flavenoid content than most other foods. They contain important compounds such as cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin and quercitin.
Vitamins
Blueberries also contain a high amount of vitamins, including: Vitamins B1, B2, B5 and B6, which help your body convert food to energy; Vitamin B3, which aids in lowering cholesterol; B12, which is good for your metabolism; Folate, also known as folic acid, a B vitamin that helps your body produce and maintain new cells; Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is beneficial for your immune system; and Vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient essential for healthy tissues.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants and polyphenols are abundant in blueberries as well. These nutrients are extremely beneficial for fighting off cancer-causing free radicals in the blood stream and in tissues. Vitamin C and Vitamin A are both antioxidants, but blueberries also have polyphenols like anthocyanin and phenolics.
Proanthocyanidin
Research has shown evidence that proanthocyanidins can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and blood clotting. Blueberries have many types of proanthocyanidins including monomers, polymers, dimers and trimers.
Minerals
There is no shortage of minerals in blueberries, either, and minerals are good for you for a variety of reasons. Generally speaking, minerals are critical for maintaining healthy bones, proper water balance and an ideal metabolism. Blueberries contain minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and calcium.
Fiber
All fruits and vegetables have at least a small amount of fiber and blueberries are no different; they contain around 3.5 grams per 1-cup serving. Fiber is good for you for several reasons, but some of the more important roles consist of maintaining a healthy digestive system, metabolism and blood sugar levels.
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