Today I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen, prepping and bagging freshly picked blueberries to freeze for the later months, so we can enjoy their goodness until next season rolls around. Demetrye and I picked over 31 lbs. of organic blueberries yesterday and are planning to go back to the farm for more.Let me tell you a little bit about the benefits of blueberries (information taken from WHFoods site).
Blueberries are packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins, the blue-red pigments found in blueberries, improve the integrity of support structures in the veins and entire vascular system. Anthocyanins have been shown to enhance the effects of vitamin C, improve capillary integrity, and stabilize the collagen matrix (the ground substance of all body tissues). They work their protective magic by preventing free-radical damage, inhibiting enzymes from cleaving the collagen matrix, and directly cross-linking with collagen fibers to form a more stable collagen matrix.
Data reported in a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.
Blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Researchers found that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills.
Blueberries can help relieve both diarrhea and constipation.
| Blueberries 1.00 cup 145.00 grams 81.20 calories | ||||
| Nutrient | Amount | DV (%) | Nutrient Density | World's Healthiest Foods Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vitamin C | 18.86 mg | 31.4 | 7.0 | very good |
| manganese | 0.40 mg | 20.0 | 4.4 | very good |
| dietary fiber | 3.92 g | 15.7 | 3.5 | very good |
| vitamin E | 1.46 mg | 7.3 | 1.6 | good |
