Image Source: Blueberry Council

Fresh blueberries are one of the most popular summer treats of all time. They are sweet, succulent, full of nutrients, and can be eaten freshly picked as well as incorporated into a variety of recipes. If you want to maximize your antioxidant benefits from blueberries, go organic! A recent study has directly compared the total antioxidant capacity of organically grown versus non-organically grown highbush blueberries and found some very impressive results for the organically grown berries. Organically grown blueberries turned out to have significantly higher concentrations of total phenol antioxidants and total anthocyanin antioxidants than conventionally grown blueberries, as well as significantly higher total antioxidant capacity.

Consuming dried blueberries is also a good idea, as the nutrients are much more concentrated in dried fruits. Blueberries can work wonders for your health and here is how.

1. Blueberries Are Extremely Rich In Antioxidants

Blue Berries, being very rich in antioxidants 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. Once your immunity is strong, you won’t catch colds, fever, pox and all such nasty viral and bacterial communicable diseases.

2. Blueberries Help Slow Down Aging

Blue Berries bring you the brightest ray of hope, for they are laden with antioxidants and rank number 1 in the world of antioxidants. This is mainly due to the presence of Anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the blue color of the blueberries. The abundance of vitamin-C is also a big factor for this as well.

3. Blueberries Help Polish Vision

Blueberry extract, high in compounds called anthocyanosides, has been found in clinical studies to slow down visual loss. They can prevent or delay all age related ocular problems like macular degeneration, cataract, myopia and hypermetropia, dryness and infections, particularly those pertaining to retina, due to their anti-oxidant properties. Blue Berries contain a special group of antioxidants called Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin etc.), Flavonoids (like  rutin, resveritrol, quercetin etc.), in addition to others such as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A, selenium, zinc and phosphorus, which are very beneficial and essential for the ocular health.

4. Blueberries Can Make Your Mind Smarter

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 the health of the central nervous system. It is hard to believe that these berries can also cure serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent. They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues and keep your memory sharp for a long-long time.

5. Blueberries Can Help Cure Cancer

Blue Berries can prove to be bliss for the cancer patients, for they contain certain compounds like Pterostilbene (excellent remedy for colon and liver cancer) and Ellagic Acid which, in harmony with Anthocyanin and other antioxidants like vitamin-C and copper, can do miracles to prevent and cure cancer.

6. Blueberries Help In Better Digestion

While roughage (fiber) in Blueberries helps keep away constipation  the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose and acids improve digestion.

7. Blueberries Brighten Up Your Skin

Blueberry extract skin care products are becoming very popular around the world. It’s been reported that the wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals help restore hormone balance, which counteracts acne. That makes blueberries an excellent home remedy for acne.Also, blueberries contain resveratrol, which is proven to reduce damage from over-sun exposure and can naturally darken your skin. Along with blueberry skin benefits, they have also been shown to naturally treat muscular degeneration and improve vision.

8. Blueberries Help In Weight Loss

Being low in calories, low on the glycemic index and high in fiber, everyone has at three reasons to eat blueberries to lose weight

It seldom happens in nature that something so suffused with nutrients is incredibly tasty as well. Include blueberries in your diet and feel and live healthier.