Blueberries
Blueberries are often touted for their nutritional benefits. Some of those benefits are well known, while others are more obscure.
* Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. Antioxidants are responsible for neutralizing free radicals in the body, which can affect aging and contraction of diseases.
* Native Americans once called blueberries “star berries” because the blossoms make a star shape.
* Blueberry juice may help alleviate persistent coughs.
* Blueberries can help ease digestive issues and prevent constipation.
* Many people equate cranberries with urinary tract health, but blueberries are also good at reducing bacteria growth that causes urinary issues.
* Some believe that blueberries can help reduce belly fat.
* Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries.
* Blueberries were once used to make dyes and paints.
* America’s favorite muffin is the blueberry muffin.
* Maine harvests almost all of the blueberries in the United States.
* Blueberries may help prevent damage caused by heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
* Blueberries are the official berries of Nova Scotia, Canada.
* The anthocyanin found in blueberries can help improve eyesight.
* Blueberries are one of the only foods that are naturally blue in color.
* The annual harvest of North American blueberries would cover a four lane highway from Chicago to New York if spread out in a single layer.
* Blueberries grow on a shrub that belongs to the heath family.
* There are approximately 30 different species of blueberries.
* Blueberries were not cultivated until the beginning of the 20th century, becoming commercially available in 1916.
* The white, powdery substance on blueberries is called “bloom.” Bloom indicates fresh berries.
