The Benefits of Blueberries

These little berries have a lot going for them nutritionally. Here are some of the health benefits you could reap from regularly noshing on blueberries.

These little berries have a lot going for them nutritionally. Here are some of the health benefits you could reap from regularly noshing on blueberries.

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A diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps stave off age-related disease and cognitive decline, along with many other chronic illnesses. Blueberries, in particular, have a reputation for being jam-packed with antioxidants compared to other common fruits. Antioxidants are compounds that protect against the oxidative cell damage that naturally occurs with age, chronic sun exposure, environmental toxins and stress.

One recent study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, compared people who were given a daily drink with 11 grams wild blueberry powder to those who got an antioxidant-extract drink supplemented with fiber. After a month, the people who got the wild blueberries had better blood flow and their immune response got more of a boost (chalk one up for the benefits of real food versus supplements).

Another systematic review of 11 studies, including children, older adults and adults with mild cognitive impairments investigated blueberries' potential benefit to cognitive function. For children who were given a blueberry supplement, there were consistent improvements in memory and executive function, which relates to the ability to control behavior. Older adults and adults with mild cognitive impairments receiving blueberry supplements experienced these benefits as well as improved psychomotor function, including coordination and dexterity.

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https://www.eatingwell.com/article/292210/health-benefits-of-blueberries/