Susan Smith Jones, PhD

The Health Benefits of Blueberries

Known as an excellent laxative, blood cleanser, and antioxidant, blueberries are the only food that's been shown to not just prevent, but actually reverse, abnormal physical and mental decline. Native to North America, blueberries have been part of the human diet for more than 13,000 years and rank among the best foods you can eat. I recommend eating them several times per week either fresh or, when out of season, frozen. I always have frozen organic blueberries on hand and use them when making smoothies, sauces, or "ice cream" or sorbets made from frozen fruit. One cup of blueberries contains only 80 calories, and a whole pint gives you about 180 calories, so they're a dieter's good friend, too. Like all other foods, the calories in blueberries come from the macronutrients—56 grams of carbohydrate, 1.5 grams of fat, and 2.7 grams of protein. But it is blueberries' micronutrient content that packs the most impressive wallop.

Referred to as the "brain-berry," blueberries are packed with anthocyanins (red pigments) that have been linked to prevention and reversal of age-related mental decline and anti-cancer effects. According to a study released in 2002 by Tufts University, anthocyanins in blueberries appear to be the most potent antidotes to oxidate stress, a process that ages you. The flavonoids in blueberries—catechin, epicatechin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol—are extremely valuable for superior health. (Those flavonoid names are also great words to bring up at your next prosaic dinner party or in your next Scrabble game.) Blueberries are to fruit what broccoli is to vegetables.

On page 129 of my book The Healing Power of NatureFoods, you will find a recipe for Chilled Berry Blueberry Soup.  

Some excerpts were taken from Susan's popular package, Renew Your Life, and her book The Healing Power of NatureFoods: 50 Revitalizing SuperFoods & Lifestyle Choices to Promote Vibrant Health. For more tips on selecting the right foods to help heal a variety of health conditions; using colorful foods in recipes; and making your meals more flavorful and delicious, this is the book for you. You can get a copy of any of Susan's celebrated seven Natural Remedy booklets FREE, just for the asking, when you purchase this book at: 1-800-523-9971 (US & Canada) or 215-632-6100 (Intl), both ET, M - F • 8:30 - 5:00.