Smurf Berries

Who doesn’t like blueberries? From the color to the texture to the taste, blueberries are not only awesome, they provide a ton of health benefits.

Blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes and blueberry pie are just a few things to name that contain these wonderfully tasty berries. Blueberries offer more than just being tasty, researchers say they have powerful nutrients that can fight cancer.

Enjoy a cup of blueberries each day to keep cancer away.

Laura Newton, M.A.Ed., R.D. from the Department of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says blueberries are so healthful because they’re jam packed with antioxidants.

Antioxidants are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. They’re gaining so much attention because they protect our cells from free radical damage. The more colorful the produce is, the better it is for you.

Free radical damage occurs all the time, and too much of this kind of damage can lead to cancer. Antioxidants help stabilize free radicals so they’re not able to damage our cells, which in turns helps to prevent cancer, Newton says.

Along with having powerful antioxidants, blueberries are also rich in vitamin C, which is essential in boosting the immune system and helping the body absorb iron. Vitamin C also prevents bruising because it keeps blood vessels firm.

Blueberries are in season, so pick up a batch already! Just a cup a day will not only help prevent cancer, but with only 80 calories, Newton adds, they make the perfect snack.