Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and phyto-nutrients which have powerful health benefits. These include the ability to reduce DNA damage, prevent aging, control cholesterol levels, and treat cancer. They also help strengthen bones, reduce acne, lower blood pressure, control diabetes, and improve heart health. Considered a super-food, they can also help improve brain health, promote weight loss, and soothe inflammation.

 Blueberries are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and high in fibre. According to USDA National Nutrient Database, the berries are a rich source of Vitamins B6, C ,K and folate, potassium, copper and manganese.  They are low in carbohydrates and sodium and are high in water content. They are also abundant in antioxidants, especially anthocyanin, which is responsible for their deep blue color and powerful health benefits. Blueberries have the highest amount of antioxidants in them compared to all the foods!

Strengthen Bones

Blueberries are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K, which help improve bone health. They also increase bone density and elasticity and contribute to maintaining the bone structure.

Skin Care

Anthocyanin in blueberries is responsible for preventing oxidative DNA damage, while the abundance of vitamin C is a big factor in building collagen. This is why they prevent wrinkles,age spots, and acne. Additionally, they also prevent skin damage caused by dust, pollution, smoke, and UV rays.

Lower Bad Cholesterol

The high fiber content and abundant antioxidants in blueberries help dissolve the LDL (bad) cholesterol. This makes them an ideal dietary supplement to cure many heart diseases, while also strengthening the cardiac muscles.  They also contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which help in reducing blood pressure. A study conducted by a Dr., shows that daily consumption of blueberries helps improve blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.

Treat Diabetes

Blueberries juice and extract improve insulin sensitivity. Blueberry is a high fiber food that is an essential part of the diabetic diet and helps lower the blood sugar levels. A research by a professor of Medicine, proves that consumption of berries is associated with lower risk of type 2 disbetes.

Protect Heart Health

Blueberries help in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. This is due to the presence of fiber, anthocyanin, potassium, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin C in them.  Fiber and anthocyanin reduce cholesterol, improve blood fat, and prevent clogging of arteries. Vitamin B6 and folate prevent blood vessel damage by inhibiting homocysteine build up and potassium regulates the working of heart muscles.

Prevent Cancer

Blueberries can prove to be extremely valuable for cancer patients, as per a study published in the Cancer Research journal. They contain certain compounds like pterostilbene (an excellent remedy for colon and liver cancer) and ellagic acid.  These two in harmony with anthocyanin and other antioxidants like vitamin C and copper can do miracles to both help prevent and cure cancer.

Improve Brain Function

The vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in blueberries can heal nervous disorders by preventing the degeneration and death of neurons.  These essential nutrients also protect brain cells and help restore the health of the central nervous system. The berries can lower your risk of suffering from disorders like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. They can even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues to keep your memory sharp.

Weight Loss

The high fiber content present in them promotes digestion and weight loss. They also promote satiety, help you feel full, and reduce belly fat. One cup of blueberries contains only 15 gm of carbohydrates and 84 calories. Thus, frozen or dried blueberries are great low-calorie snacks.

Rich in Antioxidants

The antioxidants along with other phytonutrients and flavonoids present in blueberries are responsible for the free radical scavenging activity in the body. The group of flavonoids, in particular, anthocyanin, prevents the body from all types of damage due to free radicals.  A number of studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry establish that high amounts of antioxidants are beneficial to the body in a number of ways. This includes cellular structure damage, DNA damage, early aging, and various types of cancer.

Soothe Inflammation

The antioxidants in blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties.  They reduce the activity of markers of inflammation.  Thus, they help prevent chronic inflammatory diseases including arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.

Other Benefits

Antidepressant
Flavonoid-rich wild blueberries help enhance mood and act as an effective antidepressant.

Promote Digestion
The roughage (fiber) present in blueberries prevent constipation. Also, the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose, and acids improve digestion by stimulating secretion of correct gastric and digestive juices. This helps the food move smoothly through the gastrointestinal system.

Treat Urinary Tract Infection
Blueberries can kill bacterial colonies like E. coli which are responsible for the urinary tract infection. They have a compound formed of large, polymer-like molecules, which inhibit the growth of such bacteria. They also have certain antibiotic properties which add to this effect. So far, this compound has only been found in cranberries and blueberries.

Eye Care
Blueberries can prevent or delay all age-related ocular problems due to their antioxidant properties. These include macular degeneration, cataracts, myopia and hypermetropia, dryness, as well as infections pertaining to the retina. They contain special antioxidants called carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin etc.), flavonoids (like rutin, resveratrol, quercetin etc.), and other antioxidant compounds, which are all very beneficial for ocular health.

Boost Immunity
Antioxidants in blueberries can boost your immune system and prevent infections. Once your immune system is strong, you won’t catch colds, fever, pox, and countless other communicable diseases spread by bacteria and viruses.

Reduce Muscle Damage
Blueberries help reduce the muscle soreness and fatigue that occurs after a strenuous exercise or activity.  They also help in muscle regeneration. This is confirmed by a study published recently.
 
Hair Care
They help promote hair growth. Mix blueberries and olive oil, apply the blend to hair and roots and rinse with warm water to enhance hair growth.

Alleviate IBS
Blueberry husks consumed along with probiotics show potent anti-inflammatory properties which can treat inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease. They can alleviate symptoms such as bleeding and pain caused by ulcerative colitis. 
 
Promote Detoxification
Anthocyanin in blueberries helps detoxify heavy metals from the body including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.


Increase Lifespan
Polyphenols and resveratrol found in blueberries help increase longevity and decrease the adverse effects linked with aging. They also activate the genes involved in anti-ageing and decreasing brain function decline.

Select and Store

Here are a few tips to remember while buying and storing blueberries:

• They are available in fresh, frozen, and dried form.
• Frozen blueberries lose texture faster than fresh berries, but the flavor remains the same.
• Always select fresh firm blueberries as they are moisture free and last long
• Freeze and enjoy snacking them!

Side effects

A few side effects include:

• Blood-thinning: People taking blood-thinning medication (warfarin) or suffering from blood disorders (hemophilia) should avoid blueberries. The vitamin K content may interfere with the blood thinning and result in blood-clot.
• Allergy: They may cause food allergy like itching, swelling or difficulty in breathing.
• Blood sugar control: They may lower blood glucose levels, especially for diabetics.

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