Blueberries

Sweet, juicy blueberries are rich in pro-anthocyanin natural pigment anti-oxidants. These tiny, round blue-purple berries have long been attributed to the longevity and wellness of indigenous natives living in the subarctic regions in the northern hemisphere. Botanically, the plant is a deciduous shrub belonging within the family of ericaceae, of the genus: vaccinium.

Bloomy, deep blue color berries amidst rich foliage.

Blueberries are very low in calories. 100 g fresh berries provide only 57 calories. However, they possess notable health benefiting plant-nutrients such as soluble dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and pigment anti-oxidants that contribute immensely towards optimum health and wellness.

Blueberries are among the highest anti-oxidant value fruits. The orac value of 100 g fresh blueberry is 5562 te (trolex equivalents). Their antioxidant value largely derived from poly-phenolic anthocyanidin compounds such as chlorogenic acid, tannins, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol.

In addition, these berries have other flavonoid anti-oxidants such as carotene-a, lutein and zea-xanthin.

Altogether, the phyto-chemical compounds in the blueberry help rid off harmful oxygen-derived free radicals from the body, and thereby, protect the human body against cancers, aging, degenerative diseases, and infections.

Further, research studies suggest that chlorogenic acid in these berries help lower blood sugar levels and control blood-glucose levels in type-ii diabetes mellitus condition.

Fresh berries contain a small amount of vitamin c, vitamin a and vitamin e. Altogether these vitamins work as potent anti-oxidants, which help limit free radical mediated injury to the body.

The berries also contain a small amount of b-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic acid. It contains very good amounts of vitamin b-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are acting as co-factors help the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

Furthermore, they contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required for the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation.