by Chelsea Padget

Created on: October 25, 2010   Last Updated: November 16, 2010

Blueberries, at about 80 calories per cup, are said to have the highest antioxidant activities per serving. Polyphenols, the substance that gives blueberries their blue color, are the major contributors to the antioxidant activities in blueberries.

Blueberries are thought to be the new super food, having many health benefits. One serving gives you 14% of your daily fiber and almost one quarter of your Vitamin C recommended intake. Blueberries are a powerful force in the fight to lower cholesterol, fight cancer and protect you from heart disease.

Blueberries, with their powerful antioxidant level, has the potential to have many health benefits, when eaten on a regular basis. Here are some of this powerful fruits health benefits:

• Prevents and treats cancer:

A study at the Ohio State University shows that blueberries can shrink the size of cancerous tumors and also improve survival rates. Blueberries have also been found to treat colon cancer.

• Urinary tract health:

Blueberries, with their antioxidant properties, help fight against infections of the urinary tract. Blueberries also promote a healthy urinary system.

• Heart disease:

Blueberries, with their high fiber content and antioxidants, help prevent and treat heart disease. Blueberries have an ability to dissolve "bad cholesterol", which can be ideal in the prevention and treatment of heart disease (Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry).

• Chronic diseases:

Blueberries reduce amyloid formation in Alzheimer's disease. In Parkinson's disease, blueberries improve dopamine levels. They have the ability to heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues, to keep your memory sharp. They also protect the brain from oxidated stress which may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, among others.

•Vision:

Anthrocyanides, an extract found in blueberries, have been found to prevent and delay all age related visual problems such as, macular degeneration and cataracts. Blueberries contain many other antioxidants and vitamins that prevent vision loss, infection and other problems of the eye.

• Constipation:

The high fiber content in blueberries helps relieve and prevent constipation. Blueberries also help protects your G.I. tract and improves digestion.

Blueberries pack a powerful punch when it comes to this little blue fruits health benefits. This little purple pea sized fruit obviously promotes a healthy body when eaten on a regular basis. A cup a day, with only 100 calories, is the perfect protection against many chronic diseases and illnesses.

Talk to your doctor about the benefits blueberries could have on your health.

Sources:

http://www.extension.org/pages/Health_Benefits_of_Bl ueberries_-_How_Blueberries_Affect_the_Human_Body

http://www.foods-that-heal.com/blueberries-health-be nefits.html

http://www.blueberry.org/antioxidants.htm

http://ur.umich.edu/0809/Apr27_09/13.php

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