BLUEBERRY FRUIT

Blueberries are perennial flowering plants with indigo-colored berries from the section Cyanococcus within the genus Vaccinium (a genus that also includes cranberries and bilberries). Species in the section Cyanococcus are the most common[1] fruits sold as "blueberries" and are native to North America (commercially cultivated highbush blueberries were not introduced into Europe until the 1930s).

Blueberries are usually erect. Prostrate shrubs can vary in size from 10 centimeters (3.9 in) to 4 meters (13 ft) in height. In the commercial production of blueberries, the smaller species are known as "low-bush blueberries" (synonymous with "wild"), while the larger species are known as "high-bush blueberries".

Blueberries and Anti-Aging

The antioxidants in blueberries come to your rescue, preventing early aging and protecting you against diseases like cancer and chronic heart disease. The antioxidants prevent cell damage by neutralizing the radicals and helping keep diseases at bay. Blueberries also prevent inflammation that is a known cause of aging diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and brain aging.

Blueberries and Brain Health

Blueberries are natural brain food and can help in reversing short-term memory loss and other symptoms associated with aging. The antioxidants help with motor skills. Research on animals proved this when improvements in learning capacity and motor skills were observed in aging animals who were fed a blueberry and, thus antioxidant-rich diet.

Blueberries and Eyesight

Along with carrots, blueberries provide an excellent source of vitamin A. Blueberries are known to prevent vision loss due to aging. In fact, the British Air Force during World War 2 claimed to eat blueberries to enhance night vision and quicker adjustment to darkness.

Blueberries and Cancer

Along with anthocyanins, blueberries also contain other antioxidants like proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, flavonols and tannins that help prevent growth of cancer cells. Lab studies have found the benefits of blueberries include preventing colon cancer and ovarian cancer. They also claim inhibition chances to be as high as 50%. Blueberries should find special place in a woman’s diet, which makes a major difference in preventing ovarian cancer, the most common form of cancer in women.

A bowl of blueberries can give almost five times more benefits than a bowl of apple wedges. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables is a healthy way to manage weight, control diabetes and prevent cancer. Packed with antioxidants and a low calorie count, blueberries are nutrient-rich choice for a healthier life.