Also known as Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus
Blueberries and bilberries are often confused as both have a dark blue, smooth skin but the bilberry is slightly smaller than the blueberry. Bilberries have been popular in Europe for centuries and blueberries were first widely grown in the U.S. in the 1920s.
Regular consumption of blueberries can ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the risks of cancer. New evidence also suggests that blueberries and cranberries contain an antioxidant that may slow down age-related motor changes, such as those seen in dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Blue berries and fat accumulation
According to scientists, eating blueberries every day may prevent the body from creating new fat cells. The researchers discovered that compounds in blueberries, especially polyphenols like anthocyanins, can reduce fat storage and promote the breakdown of existing fat at a molecular level.
In lab and animal studies, these compounds lowered fat content in tissues and helped trigger lipolysis. This is the body’s process of breaking down fat for energy. Blueberries are very low in calories. 100 g of fresh berries provide only 57 calories.
Blue berries and high blood pressure
Blueberries contain anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, which lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system. Other properties in blueberries also appear to assist in thinning the blood and stimulating the release of vasodilators. They can also prevent varicose veins from forming.
Blue berries and eye disorders
Anthocyanins support and enhance the health of collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, thus aiding in the development of strong healthy capillaries that can carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves.
Blueberries, like bilberries, have long been a remedy for poor vision and ‘night blindness’. Clinical tests have indicated that consumption of blueberries tends to improve visual accuracy and can help those with eye disorders such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma and myopia.
Anti-microbial properties of blueberries
Blueberry leaves are a good source of polyphenols that have powerful antimicrobial properties against fungi and Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhi-murium, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Blueberries and urinary tract infections.
Blueberries and cranberries protect against cystitis and urinary tract infections by stopping harmful bacteria sticking to the urinary tract.
NOTE: Blueberries may interact with certain medications including blood thinners like warfarin and anti-diabetes drugs.
Beneficial components in blueberries
- Aglycons
- Delphinidin
- Petunidin
- Polyphenols
- Cyanidin
- Peonidin
- Malvidin
Nutrients in blueberries
- Fibre
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B9 (folate)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Minerals in blueberries
Related subjects
- A-Z of natural foods and remedies
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Blood and vein disorders
- Bone and joint disorders
- Cancer
- Dementia (Alzheimer’s disease)
- Eye disorders
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s disease
- Urinary tract infection
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