Here in New Jersey, the blueberry season will be here before we know it. Their sweet flavor is only one reason to love blueberries. It turns out these juicy berries also provide some pretty sweet health benefits, too!

Add blueberries to your home smoothies or order a freshly made blueberry smoothie at the re:fresh Recovery Bar and Cafe inside Medford Fitness for these 5 health benefits:

1. Drink Your Antioxidants

Antioxidants help protect our bodies against oxidation and damage from free radicals. They can also fight inflammation in the body. Blueberries pack a powerful antioxidant punch, providing greater cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) than most other fruits and vegetables.

2. Lower Your Cholesterol

If you’re looking for an additional way to lower your cholesterol, blueberries can be a helpful addition to your diet. Consumption of blueberries may help decrease LDL cholesterol, which has been linked to heart disease.

3. Protect Your Heart

Blueberries contain flavonoids called ‘anthocyanins.’ Although anthocyanins have not been proven to affect cardiovascular health, some studies suggest they may help to prevent a heart attack.

4. Keep Your Blood Sugar Down 

While factors like ripeness can affect a fruit’s sugar content, the glycemic index (GI) of blueberries is estimated to be around 53. Fruits and vegetables with a GI lower than 55 have a relatively small effect on blood glucose levels.  The low glycemic load of blueberries may be of benefit to people suffering from Type 2 diabetes.

5. Stay Hydrated Post-Workout 

After a workout, your body needs to refuel. Your post-workout routine should include adequate intake of water. Blueberries contain about 85% water, making them a refreshing way to hydrate your body.