The Benefits of Blueberries:

Most of us enjoy a fresh picked fruit, especially berries, such as blueberries. The sweet, juicy taste -even thinking about it can create a craving. Some have even enjoyed them as toppings on favorite desserts or as part of a fruit smoothie.

That leads us to the next question; have you ever wondered how these little sweet treats are truly benefiting your health. Well, that's what we are here to consider today because these are truly a wonderfully nutrition health packed little gem.

They serve us best when we pick and/or purchase them organically, simple because the chemicals otherwise have adverse effects on the nutritional value on our health when we consume them, since the skins are thin and the fruit will absorb chemicals and any form of byproducts and thereby cannot be just washed off completely, so we would be ingesting poison into our body's and becoming ill as a result -either with slow adverse affects to lower the immune system, or more noticeable health concerns for those with more sensitive or compromised systems.

Now to consider what organic blueberries offer us as natures precious fruits.

Blueberries have been clinically shown to shrink the size of tumors, including colon cancer, (1) and are a great cancer preventing food; great for children and adults. (2) This would also include liver and prostrate cancer, of all stages, as well. (3)

Blueberries improve the brain function, memory and better motor skills, lowers cholesterol (4); is helpful in preventing urinary tract infections, and in 1 cup of blueberries it contains 16% of the needed daily dietary fiber, 31% of the daily needed Vitamin C and are considered at the top of the list for anti-aging antioxidants.

Consider the high combination of vitamins, nutritients and antioxidants that are in blueberries, which are: Vitamin C, B-Complex, Anthocyanin (acts as a powerful antioxidant), Vitamin A & E, Copper (which is a very effective anti-bacterial and immune builder), Zinc, Selenium, Iron (which promotes the immunity by raising the hemoglobin and oxygen concentration in the blood) and so forth, which boosts your immune system and prevents infections and illness. When your immune system is strong and healthy, you don't catch colds, flues, have fevers, etc or have issues with viral and bacterial communicable diseases. These are not normal anyway; your body was intended to be healthy and strong and have a healthy immune system that is uncompromised; which the proper foods support this process.

The other positive benefit of blueberries is their support in reducing belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It has been observed in clinical studies because triglycerides were lowered, cholesterol was lowered and there was improved fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity. (5) Overall demonstrations showed smaller belly fat with the healthier daily diets inclusive of blueberries.

Additional benefits, included in clinical findings have been vision preservation as a result of the above named nutrients, as well as anthocyanocides, due to the antioxidant properties, and phosphorous, which is also very beneficial to ocular health.

Due to the fiber content in blueberries, they will support healthy digestion, decrease inflammation, may help reduce acid indigestion, relieve stomach ulcers and constipation.

Consider, once the over all body system, immune system is cleansed, balanced, energized and has a boost, then so is your mood; yes, blueberries have even been considered a good anti-depressant.

Try growing them in your own garden. Create a small organic garden and have blueberries as part of your selection for sustainable living.

In summary, blueberries are one of the key super foods. Next time you reach for a dessert or want to feel better; reach for a hand full of fresh or even frozen or dehydrated blueberries.

(1) Ohio State University Study; Rutgers University & U.S. Department of Agriculture

(2) University of Illinois

(3) Journal of Food Science

(4) U.S. Department of Agriculture

(5) University of Michigan