{"id":51937,"date":"2011-07-07T12:24:49","date_gmt":"2011-07-07T17:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dietsinreview.com\/diet_column\/?p=51937"},"modified":"2011-07-07T12:48:40","modified_gmt":"2011-07-07T17:48:40","slug":"5-good-reasons-to-eat-more-blueberries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dietsinreview.com\/diet_column\/07\/5-good-reasons-to-eat-more-blueberries\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Good Reasons to Eat More Blueberries"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>By <\/strong>Delia Quigley<\/strong> for Care2.com<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

July is National Blueberry Month, a fitting tribute given that’s when these wholesome, juicy little berries come in to the peak of their season. Learn more about the nutritional and health benefits from this tiny blue food, and find several healthy blueberry recipes.
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1. Blueberries\u2019 Antioxidant Force<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first thing to point out is that, although blueberries are loaded with taste and antioxidants<\/a><\/strong>, they are also low in calories and high in fiber. This makes them the perfect food for dieters and anyone looking for a nutritious snack. One cup of blueberries provides you with the equivalent antioxidant content of five servings of carrots, broccoli, squash, and apples. What this means for your health is a lower risk of heart disease, vibrant, firm skin, and a boost in brain power.<\/p>\n

The primary force behind blueberries\u2019 super power is the phytonutrient anthocyanin<\/em>, a particular type of flavonoid\u2014the one that gives blueberries that deep blue pigment<\/a><\/strong>. These antioxidant benefits of anthocyanin<\/em> are thought to protect your body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Using a test called ORAC<\/a><\/strong> (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), researchers have shown that a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n

2. Blueberries\u2019 Nutrient Content\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Blueberries are also a good source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and are very low in fat and sodium. In just half a cup of blueberries you get 2 grams of fiber, equal to a slice of whole grain bread. Nutrient content of blueberries is a dieter\u2019s dream come true. According to Health Magazine, blueberries are a particularly rich source of anthocyanins<\/em> (also contained in apples, grapes, blackberries, radishes, and red cabbage).<\/p>\n

Several studies suggest anthocyanins<\/em> help prevent heart attack by discouraging blood clots from forming. They also appear to improve night vision and to slow macular degeneration by strengthening tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye. Based on the guidelines for getting your five or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables<\/strong><\/a>, one serving of fresh blueberries would be \u00bd a cup, one serving of 100 percent blueberry juice is \u00be cup, and one serving of dried blueberries is \u00bc cup.<\/p>\n

3. Healing Properties of Blueberries<\/strong><\/p>\n

What you get from eating blueberries are the many health-promoting benefits, which can include:<\/p>\n