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.