Adding blueberries to your diet is a great way to boost your intake of fiber, vitamins and essential nutrients. These small packets of goodness are convenient anytime. They travel well, and since they also freeze well you can enjoy them year round. Here’s what you need to know about this tasty superfood.
Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse
A full cup of blueberries provides:
- Nearly a quarter of your recommended daily Vitamin C requirement. That’s a big deal because Vitamin C aids in the healing of wounds and supports skin health by boosting collagen formation.
- Manganese, an antioxidant that helps rid the body of harmful free radicals. Manganese also helps you convert proteins, fats and carbohydrates so they can be used for energy.
- Dietary fiber, which helps you feel full longer. Great for reining in your caloric intake without feeling hungry. Fiber also keeps your digestive system moving smoothly, boosts heart health and keeps your cholesterol levels in check.
- Vitamin E, which helps the body in a variety of ways including managing premenstrual syndrome and blood pressure. Vitamin E also helps treat and prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels as well as in the brain and nervous system.
- Selenium, an antioxidant that supports a healthy metabolism.
- Copper, an anti-inflammatory that also aids bone and tissue health and development.
- Vitamin A or beta-carotene, a bone growth helper. Vitamin A is also important for healthy vision and immune function.
You get all these benefits for a mere 80 calories. Of course the easiest ways to enjoy blueberries are out of hand or as a sweet addition to cereal, salad or yogurt.
