Blueberries The Superfruit
I love talking about blueberries, for the few of you who do not know what they are, let me tell you. They are delicious blue, purple, and yes pink berries grown from a perennial flowering shrub ranging from heights of 4 inches to as much as 13 ft. Pop one into your mouth and you may experience very sweet or slightly tart, depending on the type and variety.
FOR A SCIENTIFIC DESCRIPTION, THEY ARE FROM THE GENUS VACCINIUM, FIRST DESCRIBED SCIENTIFICALLY BY CARL LINNAEUS IN 1753.
The four notable species of blueberries are Vaccinium corymbosum (northern highbush blueberry), Vaccinium virgatum (rabbiteye blueberry), Vaccinium darrowii (southern highbush), and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry).
The rising popularity of blueberries can partly be attributed to their “superfood” status, low in calories and high in nutrients. Some of the health benefits:
- Protects the body from free radicals that damage cells and contribute to aging and illness
- Lowers bad cholesterol and high blood pressure
- Maintains brain function and improves memory.
One cup of blueberries contains 4grams of fiber, 24% recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, 36% of vitamin K, and 25% of Manganese.