Blueberries are a Powerhouse

Blueberries are a powerhouse.  They provide a host of amazing benefits to those who incorporate them into their daily diet.  Did you ever wonder why blueberries are so blue?  They contain a compound called anthocyanin which gives them their blue color and their amazing health benefits.  Blueberries can help heart health, bone strength, skin health, blood pressure, diabetes management, cancer prevention and mental health!  Wow!  Just one cup of blueberries provides a person with 24% of the daily dose of Vitamin C.
So what is anthocyanin?  Anthocyanin is a plant compound called a flavenoid which has a powerful antioxidant effect in the body.  Antioxidants prevent the formation of free radicals in the body which causes aging and a host of other illnesses.  In addition to anthyocyanin, blueberries contain iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K.  When you intake adequate amounts of these bone nurturing minerals, you contribute to the building and maintenance of bone structure and strength.  Iron and zinc play crucial roles in maintaining the strength and elasticity of bones and joints.  Vitamin K in blueberries improves calcium absorption and may reduce calcium loss. 
Since blueberries contain 24% of the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C, it contributes to beautiful healthy skin.  Collagen is the support system of the skin and relies on Vitamin C to help it work.  Vitamin C may improve collagen's ability to smooth wrinkles and enhances overall skin texture. 
Blueberries are an excellent food if you are looking to lower your blood pressure!  They contain potassium, calcium and magnesium.  Studies have shown that diets low in these particular minerals are associated with higher blood pressure.  Blueberries also don't contain any sodium so it is helpful to snack on these instead of the salty bag of chips in your cubbard.
Blueberries also help prevent and reduce blood glucose levels due to their high fiber content.  In a study done researchers found that three servings per week of blueberries, grapes, raisins, apples or pears reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7%!
Preventing cancer...yes blueberries can help you prevent cancer too!  The vitamin C, vitamin A and phytonutrients contained in blueberries inhibit tumor growth, decrease inflammation in the body, and help ward off or slow down esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, protate and colon cancers.  Blueberries contain folate that places a role in DNA synthesis and repair and can prevent the formation of cancer due to mutations in the DNA. 
As far as your mental health, consumption of blueberries was shown to reduce cognitive decline in older women and can improve short-term memory and motor coordination!
Blueberries are certainly a powerhouse nutrient and I always have my house stocked with a container of healthy, organic berries ready to snack on!