Blueberries are a great snack, or an addition to porridges, yogurt, and pancakes, but these tiny berries (around 5-16 millimeters) are also extremely good for your health because they’re packed with nutrients and antioxidants. In fact, there is so much goodness in this fruit, that it is often referred to as a “superfood,” and according to Healthline, they are one of the most nutrient-dense berries, consisting of 24 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowance of Vitamin C, and 36 percent of Vitamin K.

The Many Health Benefits

Blueberries have been found to reduce the risks of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, Medical News Today reports. One of the reasons blueberries aid blood pressure is because they are free of sodium, but they contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and when enough of these minerals are consumed, they are thought to reduce blood pressure.

Blueberries are not just good for the overall health of the body, but also the brain! According to Dr. Axe, a 2016 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition revealed that children who drank a blueberry drink were found to have an improved cognitive performance, compared to those who were given a placebo. While a separate study conducted on adults who drank wild blueberry juice over a period of 12 weeks showed signs of improved memory.

A Reduced Risk Of Diabetes

Blueberries may aid the prevention of type 2 diabetes because of the fiber found within them. Medical News Today notes that a 2013 study found that those who consumed three servings of blueberries a week (as well as raisins, grapes, apples, and pears) were 7 percent less at risk for type 2 diabetes.

The Highest Antioxidant Capacity Of Any Fruit

But perhaps the most significant benefit of blueberries is that they are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals that can cause aging and disease. Blueberries are believed to have the highest antioxidant capacity of any fruits or vegetables, Healthline reports.

Medical News Today notes that blueberries get their very distinct “blue” color from the flavonoid anthocyanin, which is responsible for a number of health benefits. And Dr. Axe reports that wild blueberries are especially high in antioxidants.

Weight Loss Can Be Controlled With Blueberries

Despite being packed with goodness, you can also eat these berries guilt-free because they are low in calories. Around 85 percent of a blueberry is water, Healthline reports, which means that a cup of these berries is only 84 calories. This is one of the reasons why they can aid weight loss, and according to Dr. Axe, the high fiber content found in blueberries helps to fill you up.

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