I love blueberries. They are visually appealing, fun to eat and a wonderful addition to any healthy diet. Blueberries are a staple in my home and they should be in yours as well. Here are just nine reasons why you should eat more blueberries.

Blueberries fight inflammation

Chronic inflammation is the root of all sickness. It causes skin problems, joint problems, metabolic syndrome, arthritis and more.  In one study it was found that obese rats that ate the equivalent of two cups of wild blueberries per day for eight weeks had markedly lower inflammation levels than those that did not consume the berries.

Blueberries are good for your brain

If you want to keep your brain sharp, eat more blueberries. Flavonoids in the berries protect cells in the body including neurons in the brain that transmit thoughts, feelings, and memories. Keeping these nerve cells healthy will help your brain function at its best. According to research, a diet rich in blueberries will enhance not only memory but also balance and coordination.

Blueberries can make you feel great

Because they increase the production of feel-good dopamine, blueberries are a great way to lift your spirits naturally. They may also help reduce the onset and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease because of the dopamine.

Blueberries are great for your skin

Organic wild blueberries contain vitamin A and C and are great for the healthy skin, including collagen, your skin’s support structure. Consuming foods rich in these nutrients can help reduce wrinkles, sagging skin and dark circles.  Berries also contain water, which keeps skin hydrated and young looking.

Blueberries protect you from serious disease

Because of the potent flavonoid antioxidant, anthocyanin, blueberries can protect you from some very serious illnesses such as cardiovascular illness, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer.

Blueberries can help burn fat

Blueberries contain catechins that can activate fat-burning genes in abdominal fat cells. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, these little berries are a powerful tool to help reduce belly fat, in particular. Research from Tufts University found that consuming catechins on a regular basis increases abdominal fat loss by 77 percent and doubles total weight loss. Now that’s reason enough in itself to eat more blueberries!

Blueberries protect the brain from environmental toxins

Blueberries contain natural phytonutrients called proanthocyanidins, which can protect the watery and fatty parts of the brain from harmful environmental toxins.

Blueberries can help reduce pain

Blueberries contain salicylic acid – a natural form of aspirin. Salicylic acid can thin the blood and reduce pain.

Blueberries are portable and delicious

Besides all of their rich nutritional and therapeutic value, blueberries are just downright delicious. Not only that, they are easy to take along with you and make a wonderful travel or office snack. They are, hands down, one of the best stand-alone fruits you could include in your diet.

Some great things to do with blueberries

• Freeze them for your smoothies
• Add banana and apples for a mixed fruit salad
• Mix blueberries with your favorite organic granola
• Make gluten-free blueberry muffins
• Add blueberries to seltzer water for a refreshing drink
• Add blueberries to your favorite organic yogurt
• Mix blueberries with cottage cheese or your favorite organic yogurt

-Susan Patterson