Blueberries—ahh, the delicious powerhouse of antioxidants. The amazing little berry that seems to go with everything and anything—from smoothies to salads to mouth-watering desserts. But did you know that besides being delicious, blueberries are also packed with important nutrients that help to keep you healthy? From fighting against heart disease and cancer to keeping your mind sharp, here are five surprising facts about blueberries from a blueberry supplier that are sure to excite you.
Rich In Antioxidant
Consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help to fight against disease and decrease inflammation in your body. And one of the best sources of antioxidants is—you guessed it—blueberries! Just one cup of blueberries contains about 30 percent of your daily value for vitamin C and even packs a hefty dose of vitamin K and manganese. All these nutrients combine to help boost immunity, fight inflammation, reduce oxidation (which can lead to cancer), and keep your brain sharp as you age. Now that’s some impressive stuff!
So next time you’re looking for a little health pick-me-up on your next grocery run or snacking on something sweet, grab yourself a couple of cups of organic blueberries; they may just be exactly what you need.
Boosts Brain Health
The human brain is a pretty impressive machine—but as we age, things can start to slow down and sometimes even break down. To ensure you’re keeping your mind sharp, consider eating blueberries. Studies have shown that berries like blueberries can help improve memory and learning in older adults. But why? Blueberries are rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanins—the pigment found in blue, red, and purple foods that give them their colors. Research has shown that consuming anthocyanins (and other flavonoids) can help prevent damage to nerve cells, which may lead to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This benefit of blueberries can also be attributed to their high levels of vitamin K—which has been proven effective at slowing cognitive decline. Just another reason to add more fresh berries into your diet!
Blueberries Have Been Around for 13,000 Years
It’s been more than 13,000 years since humans first discovered wild blueberries growing in Europe. According to research, Native Americans were already consuming these little miracles of nature as far back as 8000 BC—and there’s a good reason why! These tiny fruits are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that can help give you an extra boost of energy throughout your day. Of course, we aren’t surprised when we hear that ancient people ate a variety of healthy foods; but it really boggles our mind to think about just how long ago they actually started eating blueberries! We would have never guessed it was so long ago—but no matter what time period we’re talking about—one thing remains constant—blueberries always keep their superfood status.
A Blueberry Bush Can Yield 6,000 Blueberries Per Year
In just one season, a blueberry bush can produce as many as 6,000 berries—now that’s some serious fruit production! If you think about it, that comes out to anywhere from 15-30 pounds of blueberries per bush per year. That’s a lot of little miracles—so why not get your hands on some and start cooking up some delicious treats for you and your family? No matter what you decide to make—you can rest assured knowing your family is getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals from these tasty little berries. From breakfast smoothies to warm baked goods, there are plenty of delicious ways to add more fresh berries into your diet.
The Blueberry Is One of the Few Naturally Blue Foods
Anthocyanin —the naturally occurring chemical that gives blueberries their rich, deep color—is also what makes them so unique. Sure, there are other foods that are similarly colored, but none contain as much anthocyanin as a blueberry. Anthocyanins aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re some of nature’s most powerful antioxidants and have been proven to prevent disease and slow down aging. So go ahead—add more berries into your diet! You can add frozen blueberries directly into recipes or blend them up into your favorite smoothie for an instant burst of natural color and flavor. Since blueberries are so versatile and flavorful, you won’t have any trouble finding ways to use them up!
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