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Blueberries are a superfood. That’s because these small brightly colored berries are incredibly good for your health. Blueberries are full of nutrients including vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and they are delicious.
Now, a recent study, from the University of Colorado Anschutz, published in the journals Nutrients and Frontiers in Nutrition, showed feeding infants blueberries as one of their first foods could reduce allergies and support gut health in young children.
According to a news release from the university, blueberries can safely be introduced to babies by pureeing them and by mashing the berries or cutting them into small pieces for older babies and toddlers.
“For parents beginning to wean their infants, it’s incredibly difficult to find solid, research-backed advice on what foods to introduce,” senior author Minghua Tang, PhD, adjoint associate professor of pediatrics in the CU Anschutz School of Medicine’s Section of Nutrition, said in the news release. “This study is a critical first step in filling that gap by offering real data on how a specific food like blueberries can improve your infant’s health.”
About the Study
The clinical trial consisted of 61 infants between the ages of five and 12 months, reported Fox News. The group that received blueberries were fed 10 grams of freeze-dried blueberry powder – around 2 ounces of fresh blueberries – mixed into a puree or breast milk. The other group received a placebo powder.
The researchers collected samples of stool and blood to track changes in the baby’s gut bacteria, immune system, and allergy outcomes every two months.
The key findings after 12 months, according to the new release, showed improved allergy symptoms in allergies that were preexisting, reduced inflammation, and healthier gut microbiota.
“Just a few blueberries a day could make a difference in supporting long-term health, Tang said in the news release. “We view infancy as a critical window of opportunity and what we introduce during this time can have lasting effects as children grow.”
Blueberry Benefits for Adults
Since blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, the plant compound that gives blueberries their rich dark blue color, this superfood could boost good gut bacteria, help calm inflammation, and support your immune system, reported Fox News. It makes sense for adults to consume blueberries to reap the benefits.
More research is needed on infants and adults to determine which compounds in blueberries are responsible for the reported outcomes and if other foods could have the same benefits, especially since the trial was small. But the study certainly proves that food can be medicinal and that holistic practices should be incorporated into modern healthcare.
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