Blueberries

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.