by Keith Hamburger

Created on: May 14, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Delicious and versatile, the humble blueberry may be the very best fruit you could consider adding to your diet for nutritional benefits. Full of vitamins and anti-oxidants, recent studies have indicated that there is far more to this humble fruit than previously thought.

The Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston has been conducting numerous studies on the benefits of blueberries. Already known to contain large amounts of anti-oxidants, additional substances contained in blueberries are being found to have wide-ranging health benefits.

The health impacts of the blue coloration of blueberries are enormous. The blue pigments, called anthocyanins, have been shown to improve mental functioning and could prevent such brain diseases as Alzheimers. These substances improve memory and motor function along with many other benefits.

The antioxidant powers of the anthocyanins in blueberries were recently proven to be the greatest among any fruit or vegetable studied at the Human Nutrition Research Center. With antioxidant levels many times that of even such nutritional heavyweights as spinach and kale, some nutritionists are recommending eating as much as a half of a cup of blueberries each day. Studies have indicated that these antioxidants can be effective in preventing many types of cancer.

Along with the antioxidant powers, anthocyanins and other substances in blueberries have mild antibiotic properties as well. Scientists at the Rutgers Blueberry Cranberry Research Center in Chatsworth, NJ have shown that blueberries can be effective in preventing and treating urinary tract infections. And Native Americans used blueberries to treat mild cases of diarrhea as the beneficial compounds in these wonder fruits are especially effective in controlling the bacteria that can cause such distress in the intestinal tract.

Blueberries are full of vitamins A, C and E as well. And the soluble fiber in blueberries can lower cholesterol.

Native Americans have eaten these delicious fruit for thousands of years and they were some of the first health foods used by European colonists in the Americas. Providing more than just sustenance they were used in a number of medicines and as remedies for many different ailments. Native Americans dried the berries for winter storage and ate them in a wide variety of ways.

While cooking and freezing can reduce some nutrients in blueberries there are many benefits in eating them in a number of forms. Traditional blueberry pancakes are always a favorite. Fresh blueberries in yogurt can be a very healthy snack. Combining the blueberries and yogurt with a wider variety of fruit makes a wonderful fruit salad. Or, just sprinkle some blueberries over a side salad for a tasty and healthy change.

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