Health Benefits

Facts

Blueberries are;
low in calories [42 calories per half-cup]
virtually fat free
cholesterol free
high in vitamins A and C
high in dietary fibre, high in calcium, requires little sweetening
Blueberries have more antioxidants* than most other fruits and vegetables
Blueberries contain over 40 compounds thought to have cancer-preventive properties.

*Antioxidants are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the ageing process [Ames, 1993]. Blueberries and vegetables contain many of these naturally occurring antioxidants [for additional nutraceutical information visit www.blueberry.org/].

Considerable evidence collected over the last 20 years in the USA has shown that eating blueberries could help prevent cancer, slow down the ageing process, control urinary tract infections and help reduce cholesterol in the bloodstream. Other health benefits associated with blueberries is backed up by studies carried out in the US, Japan, France and other countries, and include:

•Cold preventive
•Detoxicant
•Anti-diabetic
•Anti-inflammatory
•Anti-allergic
•Eye problems
•Inflammatory joint disorders.

Blueberries help keep certain types of bacteria from adhering to the human urinary tract. This helps prevent urinary tract infections. Scientific evidence has proven that a substance in blueberries, called anthocyanin, actually strengthens eyesight.
The US Department of Agriculture has claimed that blueberries contain 50% more antioxidants than strawberries, 100% more than oranges and 400% more than broccoli and spinach.

The above information is taken from reports supplied by the North
American Blueberry Council and other sources.