Last Updated: January 02, 2023
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:
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until ingredients are combined and sticky.
- Using your hands, roll mixture into balls, about 1-2 tablespoons each. If it gets too sticky, dip your fingers in lukewarm water.
- 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.