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Blueberry

This article provides general nutrition information only and is not medical advice.

OVERVIEW


Blueberry is a plant. The fruit is commonly eaten as a food. Some people also use the fruit and leaves to make medicine.

Be careful not to confuse blueberry with bilberry. Outside of the United States, the name "blueberry" may be used for a plant called "bilberry" in the U.S.

Blueberry is used for ageing, memory and thinking skills (cognitive function), and many other conditions, but there is limited scientific evidence to support any of these uses.


CLASSIFICATION


Is a Form of:
Plant


Primary Function:
Aging, memory, thinking skills


Also Known As:
Arándano, Bleuet, Bleuet des Champs, Bleuet des Montagnes, Bleuets, Blueberries, Highbush Blueberry


HOW DOES IT WORK?


Blueberry, like its relative the cranberry, might help prevent bladder immune challenges by stopping bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder. Blueberry fruit is high in fiber which could help normal digestive function. It also contains vitamin C and other antioxidants. Blueberry also contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and destroy cancer cells.


USES

 

  • High cardiovascular health. Most research shows that taking blueberry does not reduce cardiovascular health.
  • Decline in memory and thinking skills that occurs normally with age. Some research shows that taking blueberry daily for 3-6 months might help improve some thinking and memory tests in adults over 60 years of age. However, most tests for thinking and memory do not change. If there is a benefit, it is probably small.
  • Aging. Some research shows that eating frozen blueberries can improve foot placement and balance in elderly people. However, other research shows that eating blueberries does not help with these things. Also, eating blueberries doesn't seem to improve strength or walking speed in elderly people.
  • Athletic performance. Early research shows that taking dried blueberries doesn't help people run faster or make running feel easier. But it might help maintain strength 30 minutes after the run.
  • Memory and thinking skills (cognitive function). Early research shows that taking a single dose of blueberry may improve some types of learning in children ages 7-10 years. But it doesn't help with most types of learning and it doesn't help children read better.
  • Low mood. Some people that have a clot in one of the vessels in the brain may experience low mood. In those people with low mood, they may be more likely to have immune challenges in the GI tract. Some research suggests that taking blueberry extract daily for 90 days can reduce concerns of low mood and also reduce immune challenges in this group of people.
  • High levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia). Early research shows that taking a single dose of blueberry leaf extract might help to reduce levels of fats in the blood after a meal in people with this condition.
  • Arthritis in children (juvenile idiopathic arthritis). Early research shows that drinking blueberry juice daily while using the medication etanercept reduces concerns of arthritis in children better than the medication alone. Drinking blueberry juice might also reduce side effects caused by etanercept.
  • A grouping of concerns that increase the risk of diabetes, heart condition, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Taking dried blueberries does not help improve most concerns of metabolic syndrome. But it might help to improve blood flow in some people.
  • Bad circulation.
  • Cancer.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
  • Constipation.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fever.
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Labor pains.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Peyronie condition (build-up of scar tissue in the penis).
  • Preventing cataracts and glaucoma.
  • Sore throat.
  • Ulcers.
  • Urinary tract immune challenges (UTIs).
  • Varicose veins.

RECOMMENDED DOSING


The appropriate dose of blueberry depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for blueberry. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:


What are blueberry supplements good for?
In natural medicine, blueberry extract is said to have a number of health benefits. It is said to boost the health of blood vessels and is often used to support or prevent the following conditions: Age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer's condition

Is it bad to eat blueberries every day?
Eating blueberries every day improves heart health. Summary: Eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular condition -- according to a new study. Eating 150g of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular condition by up to 15 per cent.


Are blueberries bad for you?
Blueberries Protect Lipid balance in Your Blood from Becoming Damaged. In fact, oxidation of “bad” LDL lipid balance is a crucial step in the heart condition process. The antioxidants in blueberries are strongly linked to reduced levels of oxidized LDL. This makes blueberries very good for your heart.


Are blueberries high in sugar?
Blueberries contain moderate amounts of sugar — or 15 grams per cup (148 grams). However, they don't have adverse effects on blood sugar levels, which may be due to their high content of bioactive compounds.


How many blueberries should I eat a day?
Eating a cup of blueberries, a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular condition -- according to a new study. Eating 150g of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular condition by up to 15 per cent.


Do blueberries have side effects?
When taken by mouth: Blueberry fruit is LIKELY SAFE for most people when consumed in the amounts found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taking blueberry leaf is safe or what the side effects might be.


Can you gain weight eating blueberries?
Eating strawberries, blueberries or apples can help dieters to lose weight in the long term, Harvard Medical School has claimed. Scientists at Harvard University found that upping daily intake of fruit actually prevents weight gain, even when eating the same amount of calories.


Are blueberries anti-aging?
Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, acai—all berries are wonderful for your skin and the prevention of aging. According to a study published by Tufts University, anthocyanins not only prevent aging, but assist in improvement of overall mood.


Are blueberries good for hair?
Blueberries: Blueberries are one of nature's healthiest fruits. Blueberries also have a ton of vitamin C, which is essential for healthy hair, since it feeds the tiny hair follicles in your scalp. Without adequate vitamin C, your hair can break more easily.


Can a person eat too many blueberries?
Excessive fruit intake can also cause stomach upset in some individuals. In fact, heartburn, diarrhea, reflux, and bloating are all potential side effects of eating too much fruit, according to Bruning. The idea of eating that many blueberries over the course of one day might make a competitive eater queasy.


Do blueberries have a laxative effect?
Berries. Most varieties of berries are relatively high in fiber, making them a great choice as a mild natural laxative. Insoluble fiber does not absorb water, but moves through the body intact, increasing the bulk of stool for easier passage.


Are blueberries bad for dogs?
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. This fruit is a healthy snack for both large and small dogs, and most pups love them.


Do blueberries boost metabolism?
Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are low in calories and high in fiber, a key factor in weight control.


Do blueberries cause belly fat?
Recent study findings suggest that blueberries may influence genes which regulate fat-burning and storage, helping reduce abdominal fat and lower lipid balance. When combined with a low-fat diet, blueberries might also lower triglycerides and improve blood sugar levels, each benefits of a comprehensive weight loss plan.


Do blueberries flatten your stomach?
Berries. Berries could be your secret weapon in achieving your flat belly goals. Research has found that going for red or blue coloured fruit (think cherries, blueberries, blackberries and red grapes) can help you lose that unwanted belly fat.


Are blueberries a Superfood?
Blueberries, an Antioxidant Superfood
Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. Not only can they lower your risk of heart condition and cancer, they are also joint comfort.


Do blueberries really help your memory?
Eating blueberries and strawberries staves off memory decline, study suggests. (CBS News) Berries might provide a safe and easy way to boost brain power, a new study suggests. The study from Harvard researchers shows eating berries could stave off the cognitive decline and memory loss that comes with aging.


Do blueberries prevent Alzheimer's?
Blueberries, already classified as a “superfruit” for its health boosting properties, could now also help fight dementia, new research suggests. The study shows the berry, which can potentially lower the risk of heart condition and cancer, could also be a weapon in the battle against Alzheimer's condition.



CLINICAL STUDIES