Abstract
Blueberries are perennial fruits belong to Ericaceae (family), Vaccinium (genus), and Cyanococcus (section) prostrate shrubs. They are called superfoods according to various food scientists as well as industries due to its flavor, taste, and potent antioxidant activities in the human body. In the last two decades, there has been a consistent demand for blueberries because of its dietary values that offer multiple health benefits across the world. North America, Canada, and other European countries are meeting the needs of the global markets, whereas India has also started its cultivation in collaboration with the pioneer producers. Blueberries are classified into two major types, high bush and low bush, in addition to rabbiteye and half high (crossbreed). As per consumers demand, blueberries are available as ripe fruit, dried, frozen, jam, jelly, juices, powder forms, and other cooking purposes. Blueberries contain flavonoids under polyphenols group (anthocyanin, flavonols, flavanols), tannins as nonflavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids. Further, good amounts of ascorbic acid, vitamin K, vitamin B9, magnesium, and dietary fiber are also present. Anthocyanin along with other polyphenols in blueberries altogether perform antioxidant roles in diabetes, antiaging, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, bones, eye health, and cancer.
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Banerjee, S., Nayik, G.A., Kour, J., Nazir, N. (2020). Blueberries. In: Nayik, G.A., Gull, A. (eds) Antioxidants in Fruits: Properties and Health Benefits. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7285-2_31
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