6 Reasons You Should Be Eating Blueberries!

1 min

Any way you buy them – fresh or frozen are best – blueberries are packed with nutritional power. If you need reasons beside taste to snack on blueberries, keep these nutrition facts in mind. Blueberries:

1. Provide antioxidants. Anthocyanins, the pigments that make blueberries blue, are potent antioxidants: A half-cup of blueberries provides the antioxidant power of five servings of peas, carrots, apples, squash or broccoli.
2. Are a healthy, low-glycemic-index carbohydrate, an especially good choice for those in need of better blood sugar control.
3. Are a source of vitamin C, important for supporting your immune system.
4. Help meet your daily fiber needs with two grams per half-cup serving of blueberries.
5. Have shown promise in addressing the untoward effects of aging: animal studies associated with consuming blueberries have demonstrated improved motor skills and a reversal of age-related short-term memory loss.
6. May offer various other health benefits ranging from preventing cancer and defending against urinary tract infections, to protecting the brain from stroke damage and reducing heart disease risks.

Look for organic blueberries, and toss some in a salad, eat as a snack or throw in a parfait with plain yogurt and walnuts. If fresh, organic blueberries are cost prohibitive, substitute with organic frozen or freeze-dried products – all three forms provide health-protective benefits. Keep in mind that dried blueberries are a concentrated source of sugar and often have added sweeteners, so read labels and enjoy them only in moderation. Frozen organic blueberries are a great replacement for ice in making a frosty breakfast smoothie with a protein powder, unsweetened nut milk and a handful of raw almonds.

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Japanese Wild Mushrooms With Soba

Health Focus

• Essential Oils: Chamomile & Chamomile Oil

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• Are Ear Seeds Worthwhile?