Super Foods Blog

The important health benefits of blueberries

Make your plate a rainbow colored spread, should be the new health mantra. What is recommended today are at least five servings of vegetables and fruits and most nutrition experts agree that this should consist of a variety of colors. If you are looking for fruits packed with a lot of goodness, think blue. Blueberries are said to be good cancer-fighting agents as they contain a large amount of antioxidants which are pivotal in the war against cancer in the body.

Besides this, they are also proving to be very good for the mind. They are supposed to have memory-enhancing qualities and are said to be a protection for the brain. They are full of phytochemicals and these include two called phenolics and anthocyanins on which studies are being conducted to determine their antiaging and their anticancer properties. Blueberries are also said to be very good in winding down the process of aging as well as ensuring the urinary tract works well.

Let’s take a look at what health benefits we can expect from blueberries. Besides reducing the risk of diseases of the heart, they also improve eyesight, build stronger and better blood vessels, help in memory and keep you in your ideal weight zone. As they really do pack a punch when it comes to antioxidants, they are great to fight off or prevent cancer as well as to retard the process of aging. Antioxidants basically don’t allow the free radicals to damage the cell but neutralize their harmful effects. It is these free radicals and their constant war that causes cancers as well as aging. So when they are stopped, health just walks in to stay.

What do antioxidants do? The one in blueberries are called anthocyanins. You’ll find this antioxidant in blackberries, apples, grapes, red cabbage and radishes as well. But blueberries can beat the whole lot hands down when it comes to the amounts they contain. Blueberries can prevent heart disease and reduce the risks of blood clotting. They are also very good for seeing in the dark – it makes night vision better and they strengthen the blood vessels behind the eye which makes macular degeneration slow down.

What’s more, they are a weight watcher’s delight as they are among the lowest when it comes to calories. You could have a whole cup and it would just be 80 calories and it gives you a whole lot more like a host of vitamins s well as minerals like iron, vitamin C and potassium. There’s more. They give you dietary fiber as well, giving you a full 4 grams in every bowl of blueberries. That’s a whole lot of goodness to pack into one bowl!

Tags