Eat Blueberries for a Healthier You

It's National Blueberry Month—why there's no better time to indulge in these antioxidant powerhouses. They're rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, as well as anthocyanins (the antioxidants that give blueberries their rich hue) and resveratrol (an antioxidant also found in red wine). They're also a good source of fiber and are low on the glycemic index—making them a good fruit option for everyone, including those with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

These are all reasons that researchers are continuing to find that eating blueberries helps your body—and your mind. Here are just a few of the most recent study findings:

√ Blueberries may help keep your eyesight sharp. Researchers from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology found that powerful components found in blueberries can reduce the oxidative damage in eyes, reducing inflammation—which contributes to dry eyes as we get older.

√ Blueberries could help boost memory and cognitive function. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center found that people who ate the equivalent of a cup of blueberries once a day for 16 weeks showed increased brain activity than those who didn't—helping to prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

√ Blueberries may help prevent depression. Researchers at Louisiana State University found that eating blueberries could help to reduce depression and other symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

√ Blueberries may contribute to a healthy sex life. A Harvard University study found that the anthocyanins found in blueberries and other berries are associated with a 14% reduction in the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Be healthy, be well,