Blueberry (vaccinium corymbosum)

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Other names for blueberry

Blueberry Fruit
Blueberry Extract
Blueberry Juice Powder
Alaska Blueberry
Blueberry (unspecified)
Blueberry fiber

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)