Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries contain antioxidants, which work to neutralize free radicals linked to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other age-related conditions. These little powerhouses provide tasty ways of staying healthy.
They are : low in fat, high in fiber and an excellent source of manganese which plays a important part in bone development and converting carbohydrates and fats into energy.
Discover how else this little fruit can help your health in big ways, from improving brain health to fighting urinary tract infections to possibly preventing cancer.
1. Get Your Dose of Vitamin C
Blueberries contain tons of vitamin C; one serving gives you almost 25 percent of your daily value. Vitamin C helps collagen formation and also maintains healthy gums as well as a healthy immune system. Vitamin C reduces intraocular pressure, decreasing the potential for developing glaucoma, which refers to various eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the second most common cause of blindness in the United States.
2. Improve Heart Health
Cardiovascular disease is a major public health concern in the United States. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity are some of the common conditions that lead to increased risk of heart disease.
Blueberries may reduce the risk of heart disease in women, due to their high content of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are part of a sub-class of flavonoids, which may help to counter the buildup of plaque and improve cardiovascular health. Women who eat three or more servings a week of blueberries or strawberries may reduce their risk of heart disease.
3. Reduce Cancer Risk
Remember anthocyanins? Not only do they give blueberries their blue color and help improve heart health, but they may also help attack cancer-causing free radicals and possibly even block tumor cells from forming.
Blueberries are also a potential therapeutic agent for early stage prostate cancer or a possible means of prostate cancer prevention.
4. Fight UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that take hold and grow inside the urinary tract, causing an infection. Symptoms don't always present themselves, but can include the strong, persistent urge to urinate, strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain in women. In fact, UTIs are 10 times more common among women than men.
Blueberries can help ward off UTIs as it contain substances that inhibit bacteria from binding to bladder tissue. Eating antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries can help reduce symptoms.
5. Boost Brain Health
Scientists have found that blueberries can prevent memory loss due to old age.
And researchers found that older adults who were given blueberry juice scored higher on memory tests than those receiving a placebo. This study supports continued research on how blueberries may serve as a preventive method for cognitive decline.