Health Benefits of Blueberries
When it comes to the placing of berries among popular berries in US
it is strawberries which take the first place that is followed by
Blueberries, these blue berries are part of Ericaceae family which also
include other berries like bilberries and cranberries. Even among the
blue berries there are three groups which include highbush blueberries,
lowbush blueberries and rabbiteye blueberries.
North America is the place where these blueberries are naturally
found in higher quantities and among the three different varieties it is
highbush variety that is prominently found in these areas. While the
other varieties of blueberries can be found in areas like Mediterranean,
Europe and Asia, though these berries are exported to several parts in
the world these are mainly cultivated in Michigan, Oregon, Maine, North
Carolina and New Jersey.
Though it is North America where this fruit is prominently cultivated
this has later on spread across to Europe going ahead to South America
along with other nations like Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, Chile and
New Zealand. There might be a question about the reason for this fruit
to be consumed to such an extent that it has been found that an average
adult in US takes about 22 ounces of this fruit per year.
Blue berries are full of anti-oxidants which will keep cancer along
with various other diseases at distance, they also are considered to be
one among the various fruits which are known to have higher content of
anti-oxidants which is supported by delicious taste.
People who give highest priority to their health will have to know
that blueberry is the most important fruits for them due to abundance of
phytonutrients like hydroxybenzoic acid, flavanols, anthocyanines,
hydroxycinnamic acid, pterostilene and resveratrol. Phytonutirients in
this fruit will act both as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
along with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B-Complex, Manganese, Zinc, Vitamin K,
Copper, Vitamin E, Fiber, Iron and Selenium.
12 Health Benefits of Blueberries
-
Enhance immunity system:
Mixture of Vitamin C with Anthocyanin will provide the body with
necessary power to fight against any infections caused by bacteria and
virus that will increase immunity system’s functioning.
-
Nullify free radicals:
Phytonutrient named anthocyanin is known to be the one which gives
blue color to the fruit, this is also known to be effective in killing
cancer since it neutralizes any dangerous effect free radicals might
cause also treated any problems related to age.
-
Enhances memory:
Blueberries have gained name for being best food for brain which will
lessen any problems with memory which may deteriorate as age keeps on
increasing also saving the brain from undergoing any oxidative stress
which thereby increases the functionality of neurons. Further this fruit
also will save diseases from Alzheimer’s and dementia for which 2 ½
cups of blueberries has to be taken on daily basis to avoid any brain or
memory problems.
-
Increases vision:
Nutrients in blueberries are known to work positively for vision which is affected by the presence of Vitamin A in this fruit.
-
Decreasing cholesterols:
Blueberries are known to naturally lessen the cholesterol levels in
the body which is due to some of the compounds that have been proved to
be more effective when compared to the drugs that have been suggested to
decrease cholesterol levels.
-
Increases heart health:
Presence of fiber content and antioxidants are known to work for
blueberries as natural food source for heart shielding it from several
diseases which will finally give better heart health due to lesser
cholesterol levels.
-
Treats urinary tract infection:
This fruit acts like both treatment and precaution against any
infections caused in urinary tract as per the research there are certain
compounds found commonly in both blueberries and cranberries.
-
Avoids cancer:
Ellagic acid and pterostilbene in blueberries are to known to give
power to the body to fight against cancer also the phenolic compounds of
blueberries are known to control the growth of colon cancer cells.
-
Helps in digestion:
1 cup of this fruit satisfies the 14% of fiber requirement for the
body on daily basis due to the richer presence of dietary fibers that
are known to treat any chronic constipation along with presence of
nutrients like copper, fructose, sodium and vitamins which is known to
help in proper functioning of digestive system.
-
Cuts down belly fat:
Daily consumption of blueberries is known to help in cutting down the
fat reduction which when continuously done for 3 months will give
perfect results.
-
Slows down ageing process:
People who are interested in staying young for long time can increase
the amount of blueberries being taken daily basis due to the
anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants presence in this fruit
which will set up a shield around the brain to prevent any deterioration
and signs of ageing.
-
Fixes depression:
Drugs are not the solution for those who want to set their mood right
and want to come out for depression, fruits work great for those
suffering with depression without creating any problems further.
Among all the varieties of blueberries available in order to get
maximum benefits of this fruit it is suggested to go with the ones which
are deeper in color since it is the proof of them having increased
number of antioxidants also having lesser rank on GI hence this will not
be problematic even for people suffering with diabetes to consume.
Blueberries also are known to control sugar levels in patients who
are troubled with type 2 diabetes, also raw consumption of this fruit is
known to give more benefits than those in any other cooked form. Frozen
berries are not known to be void of all the beneficial antioxidants and
deprive our body from taking advantage of this.
