By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Blueberries appear to have some significant advantages. This is because of naturally occurring antioxidants.

Researchers have been looking at whether blueberries may be helpful as a tool to help prevent metabolic syndrome. That’s a group of health problems that includes too much fat around the waist, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and high triglycerides. Together, these conditions increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

One possible mechanism is that blueberry intake affects genes related to fat burning and storage.

My view is that we may not be able to prove that blueberries have this affect for a while but there is not a downside to including them in your diet.