According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, the blueberry has the highest antioxidant ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capability) of all the commonly eaten fruits in the United States. This property makes the blueberry one of the best fruits for fighting disease. Many recent studies have found beneficial links to a variety of health conditions as well, making the blueberry a true super-fruit.

Most recently, research from Sweden has found that blueberry fibers can alleviate and protect against intestinal inflammation such as ulcerative colitis. The fruit is rich in polyphenols which have an antimicrobial effect on the “bad” bacteria in the colon that promote inflammation. The protective benefit was found to be even greater when combined with a probiotic, as in blueberry yogurt, which increased the amount of “good” bacteria.

Another recent study found evidence that two glasses of blueberry juice a day improved memory in older adults. The research, conducted by Dr. Robert Krikorian at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center and published in the January issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, studied the effects on a small number of 70-year-olds showing early signs of memory loss. After just 12 weeks, those drinking the fruit juice performed better on learning and recall tests. The anthocyanins in blueberries, the nutrient that give the fruit its blue color, have antioxidant effects that combat oxidative stress and may reduce neurodegeneration. The berry juice may also improve glucose usage in the brain, which is involved in memory function.

Blueberries may also help slow the aging process. In a USDA Human Nutrition Research Center study, neuroscientists conducted animal studies on motor skills tests after feeding mice blueberry extracts that are approximately equal to a human eating one cup of blueberries a day. The mice that ate the fruit performed better in both learning and memory, and also in exploratory behavior — meaning the mice were more likely to explore new surroundings — and motor skills. These researchers also linked the improvements to the blueberry’s ability to combat oxidative stress which has been associated with diseases of aging.

Of course, the most well-known effect of antioxidants is that they may be beneficial in fighting cancer. Antioxidants and phytoestrogens in blueberries may be beneficial in many forms of cancer, including breast, endometrial, and prostate cancer. The fibers and anti-inflammatory action in blueberries may also protect against colon cancer.

Blueberries are in their peak season in late summer, but frozen fruit is available year-round and can be added to muffins or pancakes for a great breakfast, blended into a smoothie for a snack or meal-on-the-go, or used to top a dessert for a sweet end to the day. Blueberry juice is also available all year – just be sure to buy a brand that consists of 100% juice and no added sugar for the best health benefit.