I have heard blueberries referred to as nature's super berries or food. When I first theard that, I was intrigued because each morning I have blueberries and yoghurt for breakfast. Wow! I was accidently eating something good! How cool!
So, why are they good for you? Here is what I've been able to find out about the wonderful blueberries.
Per 100g
- Calories--57
- Protein--.74g
- Fat--.33g
- Fatty acids, total saturated--.028g
- Fatty acids, total monounsaturated--.047g
- Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated--.146g
- Cholesterol--0.00mg
- Carbohydrate, by difference--14.49g
- Fibre, dietary--2.4g
- Sugar--9.96g
- Water--84.21g
- Ash--.24g
- Calcium--6.0mg
- Iron--.28mg
- Magnesium--6.0mg
- Phosphorus--12.0mg
- Potassium--77.0mg
- Sodium--1.0mg
- Zinc--.16mg
- Copper--.057mg
- Manganese--.336mg
- Selenium--.10mg
- Vitamin A, IU--54.0 IU
- Vitamin A, RAE--3.0mcg
- Vitamin B-6--.052mg
- Vitamin B-12--0.0mcg
- Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid--9.7mg
- Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)--.57mg
- Vitamin K (phylloquinone)--19.3mcg
- Thiamin--.037mg
- Riboflavin--n/a
- Niacin--.418mg
- Pantothenic acid--.124mg
- Folate, total--6.0mcg
- Folic acid--0.0mcg
- Folate, food--6.0mcg
- Folate, DFE--6.0mcg
- Choline, total--6.0mg
- Retinol--0.0mcg
- Carotene, alpha--0.0mcg
- Carotene, beta--32.0mcg
- Cryptoxanthin, beta--0.0mcg
- Lycopne--n/a
- Lutein + zeaxanthin--80.0mcg
All in all, blueberries
- are high in antioxidants, boosting your immune system,
- neutralises free radicals, which helps against aging,
- helps reduce stomach fat,
- aids in urinary tract health,
- preserves vision,
- aids in brain health,
- helps with heart disease,
- helps with gastrointestinal health (expecially diarrhoea, constipation and digestion) because they are high in fibre,
- helps in prevention of some cancers, expecially colon and ovarian cancers,
- contain anti-depressant properties.
DhDu
Resources:
Nutrition Complete (v1.3) 2008 http://www.senstic.com/ (Nutrition data is based on USDA National Nutrient Database. Last updated Nov 2009)
http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm Top 10 Health Benefits of Blueberries; Women Fitness.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspic&dbig=8#healthbenefits Blueberries; World's Healthiest Foods.