Blueberries
Blueberries (Vaccinium) are small round fruits with a thin dark blue skin, flesh of the same color, and small gritty seeds that are barely noticeable when eaten.
Health benefits of Blueberries
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Blueberries
Look for the darkest blueberries you can find. The darker the blueberry, the sweeter it is. Avoid any blueberries which have wrinkles as this is a sign they are not fresh and may soon start to get moldy.
Climate and origin
With so many varieties, blueberries can grow in cold temperate to sub-tropical climates. Blueberries are native to both Europe and North America, and it is not yet known where they originated.
Taste
Blueberries vary widely in taste depending on variety. In general, blueberries have a mild taste that is a bit sweet or a bit tart, depending on how ripe the blueberry is.
Substitutes with more vitamins
Miscellaneous information
Huckleberries were the staple food of the Scots who used them to make wine, however, widespread cultivation of the blueberry quickly and completely replaced the huckleberry in their diet.
Similar tasting produce
Blackberries, Huckleberries
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 57 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.33g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.03g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 1mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 14.5g | 5% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 2.4g | 9% | ||
| Total Sugars 10g | 20% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 0.74g | 1% | ||
| Vitamin C 9.7mg | 11% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.28mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 6mg | 0% | ||
| Potassium 77mg | 2% | ||
| Phosphorus 12mg | 1% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||