Fresh & frozen fruit, berries, and produce benefit a healthy diet by providing essential nutrients. Blueberries, which have only 84 calories and 14.7 grams of sugar in each cup, are healthy alternatives to sugary, processed snacks. If you still need reasons to pick these up at your local market, here are a few of the health benefits these berries bring to the body.

How Blueberries Benefit Your Health

1. Prevent Skin Damage

Collagen, which is responsible for elasticity, provides structural support for the skin. One of the main compounds that help collagen to do its job is vitamin C. Vitamin C also protects skin from damage caused by the sun, pollution, and smoke. One cup of blueberries has 24% of your recommended daily value of this nutrient. By boosting collagen, this will help keep your skin smooth and slow the process of wrinkle development.

2. Help Improve Brain Function

Blueberries contain strong antioxidants. Antioxidants may prevent or delay some types of cell damage that contribute to aging. It’s been shown in some animal studies that blueberries could lead to improvements in cell signaling, stimulating the part of the brain responsible for intelligence. In a six-year study of over 16,000 people, researchers found that eating blueberries and strawberries delayed mental aging by up to 2.5 years.

3. Protect Against Cancer

DNA damage plays a role in the development of cancer, and this can be minimized by antioxidants. The antioxidants vitamin C and A found in fresh fruit may fight the free radicals that cause cell damage. This is why blueberries have been shown to slow down or reduce the risk of esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate, and colon cancers. One study even showed that blueberries act as radiosensitizers, compounds that make cells more accepting of radiation therapy. In this study, cervical cancer patients who ate blueberries responded better to treatment than those who didn’t.

If you’re looking for frozen blueberries, head to Cranberry Country Market in Tomah, WI. Their grocery store stocks frozen fruit, local produce, meats, and dairy. They’re a healthy alternative to big box stores. They have quality local produce in season from local Wisconsin farmers and food suppliers. Visit their website to learn more about the fresh fruit they offer or call (608) 374-4944 to ask about their stock.