Health Benefits of Blueberries
The summer days will never be complete without blueberries by your side. They remain one of the best summer treats you can have. Blueberries are not only sweet but are equally succulent, filled with nutrients and can be eaten fresh or incorporated into your recipes. As one of the North American native fruits, it has also found its way to various parts of the world because of its yummy taste.
You may just be enjoying the fact that blueberries are tasty, but you do not know that this ‘special super food’ has fantastic health benefits attached to its sweet taste. In this guide, we will unravel the unlimited health benefits belonging to this super yummy berry.
Antioxidant Properties
Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits, protecting you from damage by free radicals and unstable molecules that contribute greatly to aging and chronic diseases like cancer. This means that blueberries are effective immune builders that fight against infection whilst at the same time acting as a strong anti-bacterial fighter in your body’s system.
Urinary Tract Health
Blueberries enhance urinary tract health by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infection that results in the burning sensation experienced during the passage of urine. They cleanse the b-coli bacteria from your body’s system and prevent the infection from surfacing.
Eye Health
Blueberries are a phytonutrient anti-oxidant food because of their content of Anthocyanins, having the ability to protect the retina from damage by unwanted oxygen, oxidative stress and sunlight. It also slows down or reduces the occurrence of vision loss and other connected ocular issues such as; hypermetropia, myopia, cataract and infections that pertain to the retina. They also contain vitamins C, E and A, zinc, selenium, phosphorus and a group of Flavonoids known as Carotenoids which are equally vital to ocular health.
Weight Loss
Blueberries are your answer to belly fat and other related cardiovascular diseases. They will lower your abdominal fat, lower your cholesterol level, lower your triglycerides and enhance your fasting glucose level, while also raising your insulin sensitivity. They also contain fibre which enhance weight loss by reducing your appetite and increasing your satiety therefore lowering your general calorie intake.
Lower Blood Pressure
Blueberries are free from sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure. However, its content of magnesium, potassium and calcium are also an added advantage to the natural ways of controlling and regulating your blood pressure.
Brain Health
Anthocyanins, vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, zinc, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium content in blueberries can prevent and heal neurotic disorders by reducing degeneration and death of neurons and brain-cells thereby restoring the health of your central nervous system. This simply means that they can help your memory to function optimally and enhance brain health.
If living a healthy life is a priority to you, grab a bowl of blueberries and reap the rewards of the unlimited health benefits.