A Doctor Explains What Eating Blueberries Does For Your Skin

Blueberries stimulate collagen production

Dermatologists like Dr. Frank highly recommend blueberries as a collagen-stimulating fruit. He explains how and why blueberries are essential for anti-aging skincare. "One of my favorite fruits is blueberries, which are rich in Vitamins A & C and prevent collagen loss," he says. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants that keep our skin hydrated. This can also help prevent damage caused by sun exposure. By eating antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and, of course, applying sunscreen every day, even inside, you can still keep a youthful glow to your complexion as you age.

Galvin agrees that berries are a crucial daily source of antioxidants and fiber. "Antioxidants are nutritional components that help scavenge free radicals," she says. One antioxidant-rich beverage that boosts metabolism and energy is white tea. "Free radicals can cause DNA damage, age the skin, and promote inflammation— all of which become more important to manage as we age." The fiber and prebiotics in blueberries, Gavin says, also feed our good gut bacteria. These bacteria conduct essential tasks like fighting off the bad bacteria, helping support hormone balance, controlling inflammation, and sometimes digesting foods.

Similarly, blueberries, Richards specifies, contain fiber and phytonutrients which act as antioxidants in the body. "Their specific antioxidants are flavonoids, plant compounds that give these berries protection and when consumed, give us similar protection on a cellular level as well," Richards continues. "These versatile berries are also high in nutrients while being low in calories."

Eating a handful of blueberries every morning might not seem like the most appealing breakfast–and fortunately, you can add blueberries to your yogurt to get your daily dose of skincare benefits. You can even try a healthy, anti-aging smoothie with a blueberry base to start your day off right. And, we also know of a three-ingredient berry oatmeal that can prevent wrinkles and help stimulate weight loss.