fbpx

Blueberry

General introduction

The fruits are dark blue with a tinge of brown, round in shape, with a diameter of 0.5 - 0.6 cm, and they grow in small bushes, leafy and rich in branches. Their slightly tart yet full-flavored taste is at its best when the blueberries are ripe, so that they remain slightly crisp when freshly picked.

With a rather unassuming appearance, blueberries qualify as a superfood due to their nutritional composition. Blueberries are low in carbohydrates but super-rich in fiber – especially antioxidants – being among the “award winning” foods from this point of view. Antioxidants are crucial to health, as they protect our bodies from free radicals, those invisible enemies that contribute to aging and disease.

 

Why do we love blueberries?

Because they are tasty and can easily be integrated into the daily menu, whether we add them to the bowl of muesli for breakfast, in a smoothie – along with other fruits and vegetables – or we eat them separately as a snack.

a

Nutritional values per 100g / RfD Percent

(Reference Dose)*

Energy
(kcal):

0

Fat
(g/0%):

0

Carbohydrates
(g/5%):

0

Protein
(g/1%):

0

Dietary fiber
(g/9%):

0

Sugars:
(g):

0

Vitamin C
(mg/11%):

0

Vitamin K

0

Copper
(mg/7%):

0

Iron:
(mg/2%):

0

Manganese:
(mg/15%):

0

Potassium
(mg/2%):

0

ORAC score**/100 g: 2400

a

Top benefits:

High in phytochemicals, such as ellagic acid and anthocyanidins – the source of the blue-indigo color of the fruit and the deep red juice – blueberries help the body fight a number of medical conditions.

Low in sugar and high in fiber implies a low glycemic index (IG). Additionally, due to their high flavonoid intake, blueberries can improve insulin sensitivity, an important aspect for managing blood sugar levels.

Studies throughout the years have also revealed other positive health effects: 20% reduction in DNA damage, 27% reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of heart disease, maintaining brain functions and preventing cognitive decline, improving memory, stimulating immunity, as well as preventing premature aging of the skin.

Moreover, eating blueberries can improve vision, protecting against age-related macular degeneration. Traditional medicine suggests that blueberries can be a useful remedy for gastrointestinal ailments and urinary tract infections.

a

Did you know that...
wine made from blueberries can provide healthier compounds than other wines, since most of the antioxidants are fully assimilated during the process of turning blueberries into wine, through the fermentation process.

Both blueberry leaves and fruits have astringent properties due to the tannin in their composition.

Our and and tricks

Eat them for breakfast to start the day strong.

Keep them in the fridge (2-4°C) and consume them within a maximum of 2-3 days.

Wash blueberries under running water only before consumption.

Add flavor, color, and... value to a smoothie with a few blueberries.

*NUTRITION DATA SOURCE: https://www.nutritionvalue.org

**Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity according to USDA = This index measures the antioxidant capacity of the fruit. High values imply a strong antioxidant capacity, which, in turn suggests a low oxidation process, essential in protecting the body against the negative effects of free radicals. The FDA recommends a daily intake of 3,000-5,000 ORAC units for optimal health.

en_US