Blueberry (vaccinium corymbosum)
Synopsis of blueberry
Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), particularly Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush) and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush), is a small, blue-purple berry native to North America, widely recognized for its exceptionally high antioxidant content, especially anthocyanins. These flavonoid pigments are responsible for the berry’s rich color and many of its health-promoting effects, especially in the areas of cognitive health, cardiovascular support, vision, and aging.
Blueberries are rich in:
- Anthocyanins – potent antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and support blood vessel integrity
- Vitamin C and vitamin K
- Manganese and fiber
- Polyphenols and pterostilbene, a compound related to resveratrol with neuroprotective and metabolic effects
Key benefits of blueberry consumption include:
- Enhancing cognitive function and memory, especially in aging populations
- Supporting cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and improving arterial flexibility
- Improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation
- Protecting vision, particularly against macular degeneration and eye strain
- Reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative damage
- Supporting urinary tract health and beneficial gut flora
Blueberries are consumed fresh, dried, frozen, or as juice, extracts, and standardized supplements, often featured in cognitive, heart health, and anti-aging formulas.
Historical Use:
Blueberries have been used for centuries by Native American tribes, not only as a nutrient-dense food but also as medicine and dye. The berries were eaten fresh, dried for winter storage, or added to pemmican for nourishment. Medicinally, blueberry leaf infusions were used to treat coughs, strengthen blood, and soothe the digestive tract, while the berries themselves were valued for cooling inflammation and supporting vision.
In traditional American folk medicine, blueberry and huckleberry (closely related) were used to address diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and eye issues. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots famously consumed blueberry jam in hopes of improving night vision, a claim later investigated and partially supported by modern research on anthocyanins.
Today, blueberries are celebrated as a “superfood” with extensive clinical research validating their role in brain health, vascular function, metabolic regulation, and healthy aging. Their combination of palatability, safety, and scientific backing makes them one of the most commonly recommended berries in both functional nutrition and integrative medicine.
Blueberry is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cataracts (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cholera (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Circulation (to the brain) (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colitis (Scientific)
Colon (atonic) (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Scientific)
Confusion (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Dementia (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Eyesight (poor) (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Macular Degeneration (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Wrinkles (Scientific)
blueberry is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Capillaries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Eyes (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Products containing blueberry
Pure Encapsulations
Açai 600
Pure Encapsulations
CogniMag
Pure Encapsulations
CurcumaSorb Mind
Designs For Health
EssentiaGreens™
Douglas Laboratories
Juvenon Pro Cognitive
Klean Athlete
Klean Focus®
Klean Athlete
Klean Multivitamin ™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Liquid Multivitamin
Metagenics
MetaKids Multi Soft Chew Grape
Douglas Laboratories
Optimized Curcumin With Neurophenol™
Thorne
Ovarian Care
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Designs For Health
PaleoReds®
Designs For Health
PhytoBiome™
Metagenics
PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Metagenics
PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics
PhytoMulti With Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMultivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
Poly-Prebiotic Powder
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Designs For Health
Primal Multi™
Pure Encapsulations
PS Plus
Pure Encapsulations
PureLean® Protein
Pure Encapsulations
RevitalAge™ Ultra
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green
Metagenics
UltraMeal® Daily Support Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Daily Support Mixed Berry
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
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