Singing the blues
Fats Domino may have declared, "I Found My Thrill on Blueberry Hill," in 1959, but in 2026, it's researchers from the University of Maine (of course!) and elsewhere who are singing about the thrilling benefits of wild blueberries.
Researchers reviewed 12 clinical trials conducted over a span of 24 years and found that eating a cup of wild blueberries helps protect your cardiometabolic health by enhancing blood vessel function and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and the benefits are increased if you eat that amount daily.
Wild blueberries also appear to support gut health, which promotes a healthy cardiovascular system and protects thinking speed and memory. That's because they contain polyphenols such as anthocyanins, a flavonoid in red, purple and blue fruits and vegetables.
Other good-for-you blue foods include concord grapes, blue tomatoes (yes, they exist), blue/purple carrots, blue corn, plums, purple cauliflower and purple cabbage. But be careful not to fall for artificially colored "blue foods." Blue No. 1 and No. 2 are still being used (they're scheduled to be banned around the end of this year) and show up in ice cream, canned vegetables, packaged soups and icings, candy, snacks and cereals.
For a colorful diet loaded with heart, gut and brain-loving foods, read "Do Food Choices Matter" at my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com. Its opening line is one of my favorites: "You wouldn't marry someone who tries to kill you every day, so you shouldn't eat food that tries to kill you daily -- only eat food that you love that loves you back."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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