8 Health Benefits of Blueberries - Food and Health

8 Health Benefits of Blueberries

Benefits of Blueberries

8 Health Benefits of Blueberries Blueberries are small fruits that come from a wild shrub of the genus Vaccinium, which includes 400 other species. They originated in North America, and the United States is the largest blueberry producer and consumer. Blueberries stand out for their signature flavor. It's great for the preparation of cakes, jams, wines, and many other recipes. In addition to that, they're prized for their high content of essential nutrients that can provide many benefits to the body when consumed on a regular basis. In fact, in spite of their small size, blueberries have some of the highest concentration of antioxidants. Our body needs antioxidants to prevent the damage to cells caused by free radicals. Their vitamin and mineral content also favors the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Because many people might not know about the benefits of blueberries, today we want to highlight the top eight.

1 They have cancer-fighting properties. The powerful antioxidants in blueberries have been linked to a decreased risk of developing a variety of types of cancer. Antioxidants protect your cells against damage from free radicals and environmental contaminants. This is key to preventing the growth of tumors. Blueberries also contain folic acid. This is a nutrient that helps repair and synthesize DNA, while also avoiding the mutation of malignant cells.

2 They strengthen your bones and teeth. The essential minerals found in this small fruit are useful for protecting bone density and the health of your teeth. Regular consumption helps prevent osteoporosis and infections that affect dental health. In fact, they’re recommended for improving the process of calcium and vitamin D absorption. This is because they contain:. Minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese). Vitamin K.

3 They protect the health of your heart. As you’ve just seen, blueberries contain significant amounts of potassium and magnesium. These are two essential minerals that help regulate your body’s inflammatory processes and reduce your risk of heart disease. These nutrients balance the fluid levels in your tissues. Thus, they make it less likely you’ll suffer from high blood pressure or a heart attack. In addition, they're also excellent for improving circulation and the oxygenation of cells. This is because they prevent your heart from over-exerting itself.

4 They prevent diabetes. People with very high blood sugar levels or those at risk for diabetes can find relief in this tiny fruit. Blueberries contain fiber and antioxidants. Once absorbed, they lower your blood sugar levels and facilitate the metabolic processes that are responsible for using sugar as a source of energy.

5 They improve your memory. There’s an interesting relationship between the regular consumption of blueberries and good memory function. Findings indicate that the antioxidants minimize oxidative stress and reduce the cellular damage that generates cognitive difficulties. These compounds, in addition to other vitamins and minerals, improve your brain activity and the central nervous system. Therefore, they decrease your risk of dementia.

6 They fight urinary tract infections. Thanks to their alkaline pH and high content of antibacterial compounds, natural blueberry juice is useful for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. Consuming blueberries alters the environment that those microorganisms need to proliferate. Meanwhile, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect to calm the pain. They are great for increasing urine production and improving the processes responsible for eliminating waste through the kidneys.

7 They protect the health of your eyes. In addition, these fruits contain carotenoids and significant amounts of vitamin E. Both of these improve your vision and prevent the development of eye conditions. The powerful antioxidants protect your retina and macula. Overall, this reduces your chances of developing diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. In addition, they can even be a natural treatment for minor visual problems like redness and dryness caused by stress.

8 They prevent premature aging. Finally, when you eat blueberries on a regular basis, they have interesting benefits for the prevention of premature aging both inside and out. First of all, their antioxidants reduce your risk of chronic diseases that come from excessive inflammation. Meanwhile, they also slow the cellular damage that speeds up the deterioration of the skin. Both the fruits and their natural juice can complement any treatments to avoid wrinkles and imperfections that come with aging. Overall, there are definitely enough reasons to eat blueberries, don’t you think? Try buying them at the supermarket and enjoy their delicious flavor while filling your body with high-quality nutrients...