Many foods claim to be a “superfood”, but not many can claim to be as potent as a blueberry.
Blueberries are full of good things, like vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, copper, selenium, zinc, and iron. They are chock full of antioxidants like anthocyanin and are high in fiber. Blueberries are low in calories and sugars compared to other fruits and are one of the best low glycemic index foods because they are absorbed more slowly and remain in the digestive tract longer. Blueberries contain polyphenols, called flavonoids that help to neutralize free radicals that cause damage to our DNA.
The list of the benefits of blueberries is long and impressive, so, I’m just going to get right to it:
- They help reduce inflammation, the number one cause of disease. They do this through proanthocyanidins, utilizing the very powerful antioxidants that remove harmful free radicals from cells.
- They slow damage to brain cells by protecting memory-associated brain regions from oxidant and inflammatory damage.
- They prevent neurotic disorders by preventing the degeneration and death of neurons.
- They have a high fiber content that helps dissolve the ‘bad cholesterol’ and prevents heart diseases while also strengthening cardiac muscles. They have also been proven to help lower blood pressure.
- They boost your immunity by raising hemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood and helps prevent infections.
- They contain anthocyanins that have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism and reduce the risk of insulin resistance.
- They can help control appetite which can help with weight management.
- They can prevent or delay age-related eye problems like macular degeneration, cataracts, and myopia.
- They aid in preventing constipation and help digestion by stimulating the correct gastric and digestive juices that move food through your gastrointestinal system.
- They can prevent certain bacteria from binding to the wall of the urinary bladder that helps prevent urinary tract infections.
- They can reduce the muscle damage that occurs at the molecular level, reducing soreness after exercise.
- They contain resveratrol that reduces damage from over-sun exposure.
- They hydrate and keep fluid levels balanced.
- And finally, they taste really good.
