Blueberries

Blueberries are perennial flowering plants with indigo-coloured berries from the section Cyanococcus within the genus Vaccinium (a genus that also includes cranberries and bilberries). Species in the section Cyanococcus are the most common fruits sold as "blueberries" and are native to North America (commercially cultivated highbush blueberries were not introduced into Europe until the 1930s).^[1]

Prostrate shrubs can vary in size from 10 centimetres to 4 meters in height. In the commercial production of blueberries, the smaller species are known as "low-bush blueberries" (synonymous with "wild"), while the larger species are known as "high-bush blueberries".^[1]

Many, many years ago, this berry had a lot of popularity. Because it symbolized health and youth. Blueberries helped recuperate after hard work. Its main advantage is the positive effect on the digestive system. Some people prefer to make a jam out of it. Other consumed this berry in its natural form. It helped against many diseases.

Blueberry is a source of B vitamins, ascorbic acid, iron, manganese, sugars, and tannins.

Most health research on blueberries involves their phytonutrient content. Anthocyanins - the colourful antioxidant pigments that give many foods their wonderful shades of blue, purple, and red - are usually the first phytonutrients to be mentioned in descriptions of blueberries and their amazing health-supportive properties. Anthocyanins are pretty spectacular when it comes to blueberries and their support of our body systems, there are a wide variety of health support phytonutrients found in blueberries. Here is a list that spotlights some of the better studied of these blueberries.^[2]

It significantly improves the health of kidney and urinary tract. Blueberries protect us from the negative impact of the external environment, as well as from harmful substances, that gets in our body with a meal. This amazing berry is able to prevent the occurrence of many serious diseases and halt the aging process.

Blueberries are recommended to consume to prevent and treat diseases associated with vision. It is very important for the elderly, which is constantly increasing the possibility of cataract.

Described berry is very useful for those who suffer from diabetes. Because it reduces the sugar level indicators. Blueberries have positive effect on mental abilities.

Constant consumption of meat leads to fermentation in the stomach. Blueberry comes to the help in this case too. It pauses similar processes.

Due to the significant amount of ascorbic acid described product can help get rid of extra weight. Blueberry helps with problems related to the digestive tract. After all, it has healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Described berry is useful in gout, anemia, as well as kidney stones. It is often used for diseases associated with the skin. Blueberry improves health in typhoid fever.

After many years of research on blueberry antioxidants and their potential benefits for the nervous system and for brain health, there is exciting new evidence that blueberries can improve memory.^[2]

Anthocyanins

Hydroxycinnamic acids

Hydroxybenzoic acids

Flavanols

Other phenol-related phytonutrients

• malvidins
• delphinidins
• pelargonidins
• cyanidins
• peonidins
• caffeic acids
• ferulic acids
• coumaric acids
• gallic acids
• procatchuic acids
• kaempferol
• quercetin
• myricetin
• pterostilbene
• resveratrol

References:
[1] http://www.wikipedia.org/
[2] http://www.whfoods.com