Sweet, juicy blueberries are rich in natural pigment anti-oxidant, pro-anthocyanidins. The small round blue-purple berries have long been attributed to the longevity and wellness of indigenous natives around arctic regions of Northern hemisphere.

Botanically, the plant is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family of Ericaceae, of the genus: Vaccinium. Broadly, vaccinium species are classified according to their growth habit as high-bush and low-bush berries.

High-bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is an erect deciduous shrub with many stems. It grows to 10-12 feet tall in cultivated farms and bears clusters of small, cream-white flowers during spring, which subsequently convert to fruits after about 2 months. In the wild, high bush blueberry is found on the edges of marshes, lakes, ponds, and streams. Rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum, also known as V. ashei.) is medium sized shrubs grow naturally in South Eastern parts of USA.

Low-bush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is short, erect plant grow about a one-two feet in height and spread by underground rhizomes. In cultivated farms, it is grown as two-year cycle crop since the whole plant is either mowed down or burnt to allow new shoots to appear only during next season.

Both species require well-drained sandy, acidic soil to flourish. This berry shrub prefers open sunny conditions and intolerant to shade. In general, the berries are ready to harvest when the green- pink berries turn completely blue, juicy and sweeter. Traditionally, blue berries are hand harvested and require intense labouring. Soon after the berries separated from the shrub, they are sorted out and transported to cold-storage facility.

Health benefits

Blueberry is very low in calories. 100 g fresh berries provide only 57 calories. However, the berries contain health benefiting soluble dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins, and pigment anti-oxidants that contribute immensely for optimum health and wellness.

Blueberries are among the highest anti-oxidant value fruits. The ORAC value of 100 g fresh blueberries 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 β, lutein and zeaxanthin.

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

In addition, 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 small amount of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E. Altogether these vitamins make potent lipid soluble anti-oxidants, help limit free radical mediated injury to body.

The berries also contain 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 body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

In addition, these berries contain 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 in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation.

Aging: Aside from genetic factors, for which there is no apparent solution, and we consider the effect of free radicals on aging as the main cause of various symptoms, then blueberries bring you the brightest ray of hope for staying young. These “superfood” berries are packed with antioxidants and rank number 1 in the world of antioxidants. This is mainly due to presence of Anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the blue colour of the blue berries. The abundance of vitamin-C is also a big factor for this impressive claim as well. You can prevent signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, cataracts, osteoporosis, hair loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease by eating blueberries and getting the most out of the antioxidant potential!

Urinary Tract Infection: The formation of certain bacterial colonies like E-coli along the lining of the inner walls of urinary tract is responsible for this infection. It results in inflammation, a burning sensation during the passage of urine and other complications. For this condition, blueberries can be surprisingly beneficial. It has a compound formed of large, polymer-like molecules which inhibit the growth of such bacteria. It also has certain antibiotic properties which add to this effect. These heavy molecules scrub these bacteria off the walls along the tract, thereby preventing the infection. So far, this compound has only been found in cranberries and blueberries.

Eye Care & Macular Degeneration: Blueberries are one of the best alternatives for spectacles, contact-lenses, eye-drops, medications and eye surgeries. They can prevent or delay all age-related ocular problems like macular degeneration, cataracts, myopia and hypermetropia, dryness, and infections, particularly those pertaining to the retina, due to their antioxidant properties. Macular degeneration is a serious problem where the retina of the eye degenerates gradually, ultimately leading to complete or partial blindness. I am certainly not telling you to put blueberries in your eyes, but you can simply eat them for healthier vision. Blueberries contain special groups of antioxidants called carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin etc.), flavonoids (like rutin, resveritrol, quercetin etc.), and other antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium, zinc and phosphorus, which are all very beneficial and essential for ocular health.

Brain Function, Memory & Alzheimer’s Disease: Again, the antioxidant properties of blueberries come into play. The anthocyanin, the selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C and vitamin E, zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and all the others can prevent and heal neurotic disorders by preventing the degeneration and death of neurons. These essential nutrients also protect brain cells and help to restore the health of the central nervous system. It is hard to believe that these berries can also cure serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent. They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues to keep your memory sharp for a very long time.

Constipation & Digestion: While the roughage (fibre) in a couple handfuls of blueberries prevents constipation, the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose and acids improve digestion by stimulating the correct gastric and digestive juices to move food smoothly and safely through your gastrointestinal system.

Cancer: Blue Berries can prove to be extremely valuable for cancer patients, for they contain certain compounds like Pterostilbene (an excellent remedy for colon and liver cancer) and Ellagic Acid which, in harmony with Anthocyanin and other antioxidants like vitamin-C and copper, can do miracles to both prevent and cure cancer.

Heart Disease: The high fibre content, those brilliant antioxidants, and their ability to dissolve the ‘bad cholesterol’ makes blueberries an ideal dietary supplement to cure many heart diseases, while also strengthening the cardiac muscles.

Immunity: Blueberries, being very rich in antioxidants like Anthocyanin, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper (a very effective immune builder and anti-bacterial substance), selenium, zinc, and iron (promotes immunity by raising haemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood), it can seriously boost your immune system and prevent infections.  Once your immune system is strong, you won’t catch colds, fever, pox and countless other communicable diseases spread by bacteria and viruses.

Other Benefits & Facts: Blueberries keep you feeling fresh, active, fit, sharp, close to nature and in a good mood, as they are very good antidepressants. You also won’t need to spend a lot of money on medicine, because blueberries are effective against so many different conditions. There are also no negative side effects associated with this “superfood”.  A final interesting thing to know about blueberries is that the deeper the colour of the blueberries, the richer they are in antioxidants and other medicinal nutrients.

In other words, eat them until your tongue turns blue in order to live a long and healthy life.