Superfood Focus: Blueberries

Sweet, succulent and full of antioxidants, blueberries are a popular summer treat that pack a nutritional punch.

Take a look at why you should start munching on this cute little North American fruit.

Powerful Antioxidants

Blueberries are the king of antioxidants, and are believed to contain the highest amount of ‘the good stuff’ compared to all commonly consumed fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants help protect the body against a range of diseases such as:

Cancer

DNA damage is the leading driver of why we develop cancer. Research has shown that antioxidants work to reduce cell damage caused by molecules called free radicals.

Consuming just a small portion of blueberries can help protect and reduce the growth of cancer cells within the body.

Heart Disease

If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, there is a higher chance you will develop heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases.

In conjunction with the high fibre and folate content, the antioxidants in blueberries work to reduce the build-up of cholesterol in the artery walls, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Alzhiemer’s

Antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to boost blood flow within the body, and enhance the passage of information between cells.

By stimulating the growth of new brain cells, antioxidants are thought to help improve brain function and strengthen the brain against Alzheimer's and other age-related neurological diseases.

Low In Calories

Unlike other fruits, blueberries are high in water and fibre which will keep you fuller for longer and in addition, help you battle the bulge.

With a mere 83 calories per 145g serving, snacking on blueberries is a smart, healthy alternative to satisfy any 10am cake cravings.

Prevent Wrinkles

Collagen is key when it comes to keeping your skin youthful and wrinkle-free. But did you know the skin relies on Vitamin C to produce healthy collagen?

Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, and they are rich in Vitamin C. In fact, just one cup of blueberries provides around 24% of you daily Vitamin C intake, which will help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution and smoke.

How Should I Eat Them?

There are so many ways to include these little miracles in your diet. Sprinkle on fruits salads, your morning porridge or bake them in muffins.

Even consider keeping some in the freezer so you always have some to hand.