Who would have thought one little fruit could be so delicious and so good for you?

Scientists have discovered that sweet little blueberries are one of the highest sources of antioxidants of any fruit or vegetable. A June 2004 article in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, found a one cup serving of cultivated blueberries has an antioxidant capacity of 9019, making them the fifth most antioxidant rich food!*

Not sure what all the fuss is about? Antioxidants are very well known for their health benefits, especially their ability to reduce damage to our cells. Antioxidants help counter the damaging effects of free radicals, which form during normal metabolic processes and are associated with the development of several diseases including cancer and heart disease.

Scientists have discovered that an antioxidant rich diet can assist in the prevention of disease and illness. Recent studies have found antioxidant rich blueberries are especially good for several health issues:

Blueberries keep you younger in body and mind

The highbush variety, which can reach heights between 1.5–3 metres, has many different cultivars that are well suited to the Australian climate.

Laboratory tests conducted by the USDA Human Nutrition Research Centre have shown a diet rich in blueberries can improve motor skills and reverse the short-term memory loss associated with ageing. The antioxidants found in blueberries protect brain cells from damage and increase their ability to transmit signals.

Blueberries can improve your eyesight

Blueberries are extremely rich in anthocyanin. This is a compound contained in the blue pigmentation of the skin. European and Japanese studies have confirmed this compound is linked to reducing eyestrain, improving night vision and helping eyes adjust to glare and sudden lighting changes. Blueberries protect eyesight by accelerating the production of retinal purple, a substance critical for good vision.

Blueberries can protect your heart

Due to their extraordinary concentration of antioxidants, researchers believe a diet rich in blueberries may provide protection against coronary heart disease and stroke. Every day, our cells wage a battle against free radicals – unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging. Dietary antioxidants come to the rescue. These natural substances, plentiful in blueberries, neutralise free radicals and help prevent cell damage.

Blueberries may improve your cholesterol

New research reveals that blueberries may be better for lowering levels of cholesterol than prescription drugs - and with no side effects. This is thanks to the pterostilbene, another antioxidant in blueberries which fights cell damage and helps prevent bowel cancer and heart disease. Essentially, pterostilbene is a powerful ingredient which stimulates a receptor motion in cells and plays an important role in reducing cholesterol and other body fats.

Blueberries can treat urinary tract infections

Blueberries are proven to be useful in both preventing and treating urinary tract infections. Once again, it is the antioxidant anthocyanin to the rescue. This works to halt the spread of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. So if you are looking for an extra health boost, adding just a handful of fresh blueberries to your diet everyday is an easy and delicious way to increase your antioxidant intake.

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Data from Food Standards Australia New Zealand: www.foodstandards.gov.au

* Data from Wu X, Beecher GR, Holden JM, Haytowitz DB, Gebhardt SE, Prior RL (2004). "Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of common foods in the United States". J. Agric. Food Chem. 52 (12): 4026-37