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The year is 1615. An explorer by the name of Samuel de Champlain arrives at Lake Huron. He notices the Native American population harvesting wild blueberries. They are beaten to a pulp, and combined with cornmeal, honey and water. This pudding is called "sautauthig."

Fast forward to the year 1804, and the explorers known as Louis and Clark arrive in the Pacific Coast. Among their many discoveries is a Native American dish made from meat and dried blueberries. Apparently, since the blueberry blossom forms a five-point star, the Native Americans held the fruit in high regard. They believed that it was the gift of the Great Spirit. As such, these juicy and tasty fruits were used for various medicinal purposes. However, in some cultures, the blueberry has some interesting uses.

For example, early American colonists created grey paint from blueberries boiled in milk. If you've ever seen the beautiful blue paint that characterizes the woodwork in Shaker homes, you might find it interesting to know that this paint was composed of blueberries, sage blossoms, indigo and milk.

It is the anthocyanins in blueberries that give them their color. While this color might make for some beautiful paint, it is also the basis of the nutritional benefits of the blueberry. The beauty of these health benefits is far more exciting than pretty blue paint. Consider this: Blueberries are rich in vitamin A, C and E. Additionally; they are rich in potassium, magnesium and manganese. They are high in fiber, yet low in fat, cholesterol and calories. Aside from having all of these nutritional advantages, blueberries are simply delicious. So delicious, that they might help you break a junk food habit

Most nutritional experts will tell you that one of the best ways to do this is to this is to substitute your favorite unhealthy snacks with healthier foods of a similar size and texture. With this in mind, the next time you reach for a handful of M&Ms, reconsider, and choose a handful of blueberries. According to research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2004, 52: 4026-4037, blueberries have an antioxidant capacity of 9019. This is significantly higher than the 20 other fruits that were compared in this USDA study.

Antioxidants are the task forces whose mission requires them to protect your body against cancer, heart disease and other types of illnesses. As if that was not enough, studies show that the antioxidants in blueberries can also reverse some of the negative affects of aging. James Joseph, Ph.D. performed a study at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston. His team discovered that a blueberry-rich diet may improve motor skills and reverse the short term memory loss that is associated with Alzheimer's. Researchers have speculated that this is due to the flavanols, which are a type of antioxidant found in blueberries.

Other studies, which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, as well as the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggest that like cranberries, blueberries can be an excellent form of protection against urinary tract infections. If you're still not convinced of the health values of blueberries, consider the study performed at the University of Prince Edward Island, which found that blueberries can provide protection against strokes.

All of these health benefits indicate that blueberries should become an integral part of your diet. Fortunately, they are easily added to deserts, rice dishes, fish and poultry. True blue and good for you, it's a berry to make you merry!

Learn more about this author, Lisa Marie Mercer.
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