Blueberries

Last Updated: January 02, 2023

Blueberries are nutritious, available year-round, and easy to prepare. Fresh blueberries vary in cost by season, while frozen ones are often more affordable. Just rinse and eat!

Blueberries are a popular and nutritious fruit that are available year-round. The cost of fresh blueberries may vary depending on the season, but frozen blueberries may be more affordable. They are easy to prepare, just rinse and eat. 

Why are blueberries a superfood?

  • Blueberries are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
  • Blueberries are low in calories and high in fiber; ½ cup of blueberries has 40 calories with about 2 grams of fiber
  • They are available in stores year-round, either fresh or frozen
  • You can eat them plain or add them to your favorite cereal, pancakes, or fruit salad

Blueberries and kidney disease

A ½ cup serving of blueberries has less than 150 milligrams potassium making them a low potassium fruit choice. Blueberries are also low in sodium and phosphorus making them suitable for a kidney friendly diet.

They are safe to eat for all of the following kidney conditions and treatments:

  • CKD/Transplant
  • Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
  • Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis
  • Kidney Stones

Blueberry energy balls

Makes: 10 energy balls

Ingredients:

  • ½ c. frozen blueberries (thawed)
  • 6 dates (pitted)
  • ½ c. gluten-free oats
  • ¼ c. almond butter
  • ¼ c. chia seeds
  • Optional: 1 t. acai powder

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until ingredients are combined and sticky.
  2. Using your hands, roll mixture into balls, about 1-2 tablespoons each. If it gets too sticky, dip your fingers in lukewarm water.
  3. Place on a plate or in a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrients per serving:

Calories: .........................110
Total Fat ..........................5 g
Cholesterol .....................0 mg
Sodium............................15 mg
Dietary Fiber................... 3g
Potassium .......................131 mg
Sugar...............................4 g
Calcium...........................56 mg

Want to save this information for later?

Download the National Kidney Foundation’s Fact Sheet: Kidney-Friendly Superfoods: Blueberries 

 

*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.

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© 2024 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.