There aren’t many superfoods as delicious, easily accessible, and versatile as the humble blueberry. Packed with essential nutrients and potent antioxidants, these tiny bursts of tart, sweet flavor are a true wellness champion. They may even be the secret to a longer, healthier life.
Their wealth of benefits and unbeatable flavor is the reason why we chose blueberries to be the superstars of our electrolyte-infused Recovery Gummies™ Hydration.
So, where do these little gems come from? And why do scientists “unconditionally recommend” eating them every day? You’ll learn all these answers and more as we dive into the research-backed health benefits of blueberries!
From the Blueberry Bush to Your Cereal Bowl
Wild blueberries (lowbush blueberries) and cultivated blueberries (highbush blueberries) are native to North America. They grow on a shrub in the Vaccinium club, which also includes cranberries, huckleberries, bilberries, and lingonberries.
Maine is famous for its cultivated and wild blueberries, accounting for 10% of all blueberries in the US. However, Oregon, Washington, California, New Jersey, Georgia, Michigan, Florida, and North Carolina actually produce more.
You can find American-grown blueberries on the shelves between March and October. Though the US is the world’s leading producer of blueberries, you can get berries throughout the year from Canada, Chile, and Peru too. All the blueberries we use in our Recovery Gummies™ Hydration are US-grown... more on that later!
Want to pick fresh blueberries from your patio, balcony, or backyard? Consider grabbing a potted blueberry plant at your local garden center! They’re easy to care for, attract pollinators, and hardy across many states.
Fun fact: In 2024, a blueberry grower in Australia set the Guinness World Record for the heaviest blueberry — it was the size of a table tennis ball!
So, What Makes Blueberries a Superfood?
Harvard health experts say that foods reach “superfood status” when they contain high levels of desirable nutrients, are linked to disease prevention, and offer loads of health benefits beyond their nutritional value.
According to USDA nutrition facts, blueberries contain vitamin C, B vitamins (including folate), vitamin K, and the healthy-vision combo of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and lutein + zeaxanthin. You’ll also find minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus.
While these “desirable nutrients” are connected to better health, they’re only runners-up to:
Antioxidants: The Real Star of the Blueberry Show
Blueberries are bursting with phytonutrients and bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids. They even contain chlorogenic acid, one of the most well-studied coffee antioxidants. But the most beneficial of the bunch? Anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins give blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, tart cherries, and grapes their deep, vibrant colors. They’re also responsible for most of these fruits’ health benefits. Scientists say blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity, and those anthocyanins are directly absorbed to elevate antioxidant levels in your body.
Even better, you'll find the same twenty-eight phenolic compounds detected fresh American blueberries the VitaBlue® American Blueberry extract we use in our Recovery Gummies™ Hydration - and in exactly the same proportion as their fresh equivalent!
This leads us to:
The 7 Impressive Health Benefits of Blueberries 🫐
Research shows that eating blueberries is a win for your longevity because they may:
1. Lower Inflammation
Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells, tissues, and DNA. They create oxidative stress and drive inflammation, which speeds up the aging process and increases your risks of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more.
Antioxidants sweep in as your hero to fight off, neutralize, and destroy free radicals. That’s why studies show blueberries can reduce this damage, decrease oxidative stress, and lower inflammation. Multiple research summaries associate regular blueberry intake with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved weight maintenance and neuroprotection.
All those perks explain our infatuation with anti-inflammation — and why many people consider blueberries the Fountain, or should we say, Fruit of Youth. 😊
2. Improve Heart Health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. But scientists say berries have shown “substantial cardio-protective benefits” due to their high antioxidant content. Anthocyanins are believed to reduce inflammation in the arteries and enhance the flexibility of blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely.
Research shows that consistently consuming blueberries may help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and decrease triglycerides — major risk factors for heart disease. Blueberries may also prevent or lessen oxidized LDL cholesterol to further protect your ticker. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation, contributing to plaque build-up, thicker/stiffer artery walls, and reduced blood flow.
Consider this: In one study of 93,600 women, those with the highest anthocyanin intakes earned a 32% lower risk of heart attacks than those with the lowest.
3. Protect Brain Health
Thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, anthocyanins play a significant neuroprotective role. They may shield brain cells from oxidative stress and damage, which would otherwise impair brain function. Anthocyanins also improve communication between brain cells to enhance and preserve memory and decrease your risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegeneration.
In one six-year study of 16,000+ older participants, greater blueberry intakes delayed mental aging by up to 2.5 years! It was also associated with slower rates of cognitive decline. When scientists followed 77,000+ men and women for over 10 years, they also connected higher intakes of flavonoid-rich berries to the lowest odds of cognitive decline.
Bonus? You can score these gains in the short term too. Researchers in one trial asked older adults with early memory decline to supplement with wild blueberry juice. After 12 weeks, they improved their memory function and depressive symptoms.
4. Support Better Blood Sugar Levels
Blueberries are higher in dietary fiber and lower in sugar than other types of fruit, so they’re ideal for low-carbohydrate diets. Their fiber also prevents blood sugar spikes. The best news? Multiple studies reveal that anthocyanins may help lower the risks of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Here’s why:
Blueberries have a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity and sugar metabolism. This explains why they may help improve or reverse insulin resistance. In one study, men with type 2 diabetes significantly lowered their A1c by adding a cup of blueberries to their diet over eight weeks.
Better insulin sensitivity leads to lower blood sugar levels, which can support greater weight loss and overall health outcomes.
5. Reduce Your Risks of Cancer
Nearly 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. But the more antioxidants on your side, the better. Research suggests that blueberries have natural properties that might help prevent cancer, slow the growth of abnormal cells, and even lower the chances of cancer returning after treatment.
In one study, radiation therapy alone reduced the number of cervical cancer cells by 20%, while a blueberry extract led to a 25% reduction. However, when the blueberry extract and radiation therapy were combined, cancer cells fell by around 70%!
6. Boost Your Gut Health, Urinary Tract Health, & Immunity
Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for optimal digestive health. On top of this perk, the anthocyanins in blueberries act like prebiotics to help good bacteria flourish and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome contributes to better digestion, stronger immunity, and overall well-being.
Speaking of immunity, researchers say blueberries also have therapeutic superpowers to fight off viral infections.
Finally, cranberries often steal the spotlight when it comes to urinary tract health. However, blueberries may also contain compounds that prevent certain bacteria from sticking to bladder walls and the urinary tract.
7. Support Post-Workout Recovery
You’re not wrong if you think tart cherry is the ultimate post-workout recovery fruit. But you can grow your recovery efforts by adding blueberries to the party! Science shows you can combat muscle soreness naturally with anthocyanins.
In one study, participants were asked to drink a blueberry smoothie before and after exercising. Researchers noticed that the blueberries reduced exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation while accelerating muscle strength recovery.
In another, scientists gave participants a blueberry supplement or a placebo for 18 days. Participants then had to complete a 90-minute “weekend warrior” exercise routine. Both groups experienced “significant” muscle soreness, damage, and decreased exercise performance. However, the blueberry group had lower inflammation and higher anti-inflammatory biomarkers, potentially empowering them to recover faster.
Ready To Power Up Your Plate with Blueberries? 💪
Adding more blueberries to your routine isn’t just a treat for your taste buds — it’s a powerful dose of health-promoting nutrients to boost your longevity. From improved heart health and neuroprotection to better blood sugar control and exercise recovery, these tiny gems offer a treasure chest of perks you can unlock today!
Written by Lauren Ciccarelli, a writer and research geek passionate about low-carb nutrition, mental health, and meditation. Her 2,500+ articles empower doers with science-backed tips for leveled-up living.
