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HEALTH BENEFITS
New studies by USDA scientists and the University of Illinois point to health benefits from eating wild blueberries that may be as far reaching as preventing cancer and retarding the effects of aging - particularly the loss of memory and motor skills.  The focus has been on favonoids, including anthocyanins, which are responsible for the intense blue color of wild blueberries. USDA scientists Dr. Ronald Prior and Dr. Guohua Cao from the Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Centre on Aging at Tufts, recently tested some 40 fruits and vegetables and found that blueberries are number one in antioxidant activity. Antioxidants prevent cancer-causing cell damage and may thwart the effects of some age related diseases. Animals fed a diet of blueberry extract showed fewer changes in brain function due to aging, which could mean improved cognitive and motor skills. USDA researcher Dr. James Joseph attributes the beneficial effect of blueberries to their high anthocyanin content. Another study conducted by Dr. Mary Ann Smith of the University of Illinois looked at a flavonoid that inhibits an enzyme involved in promoting cancer. Of the fruits tested, wild blueberries showed the greatest anti-cancer activity.
Why Blueberries are Good for Us - Nutrition News
Blueberries have more to offer than just good looks and good taste. Besides being a good source of Vitamin C and fiber, they have an exciting nutrition story to tell too! Let's check out the facts and look at the nutrition label for blueberries.
One cup of blueberries equals one serving. And this amount of blueberries has 15% of the Vitamin C and 14% of the dietary fibre our bodies need every day. That's why blueberries are good sources of these nutrients. Just like all other fruits, blueberries contain no cholesterol or fat and are also low in calories. Blueberries are a great choice when choosing berries this summer!
Per 1 Cup Serving (140 grams)
(Test results obtained from two different samples, sent to two different labs)
| Fresh
Blueberries | Frozen
Blueberries |
| Calories | 83.68 | .83 |
| Fat, g | 0.16 | 0.13 |
| Sodium, mg | 0.49 | 0.44 |
| Total Carbohydrates, g | 19.36 | 18.91 |
| Dietary fiber, g | 4.9 | 4 |
| Sugars, g | 9.24 | 14.9 |
| Protein, g | 1.15 | 1.57 |
| Vitamin A, I.U. | 64.4 | n.d. |
| Vitamin C, mg | 10.33 | 10.96 |
| Calcium, mg | 12.05 | 12.3 |
| Iron, mg | 0.34 | 0.26 |
| Potassium, mg | 80.04 | 79 |
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