Blueberries

Blueberries When humans were hunters and gatherers, they consumed a significant amount of berries. However, in modern times the consumption of berries has declined. Most dietary recommendations say that a person should include berries as a part of their regular diet.

Berries are low in proteins and fats, but they are moderately rich in carbohydrates and dietary fibre. However, what makes berries like Blueberries different from other foods, is their high content of various vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial phytocompounds. In addition, studies show that Blueberries can have an anti-aging effect and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.¹

Health Benefits of Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Below are some of the fantastic health benefits of Blueberries:

King of Antioxidants

Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C, K, and other vitamins. However, what makes them a king of antioxidants is the high content of anthocyanins. These are pigments that provide Blueberries with their bright colour. Studies also show that these pigments are the most potent, naturally occurring antioxidants. As a result, they can help slow down aging and reduce the risk of various ailments.²
Helps Prevent Metabolic Disorders

Obesity and metabolic disorders pose a significant challenge these days as they are now the leading cause of illness. Most of these disorders are rising at an alarming rate. The majority of adults are living with obesity. It appears that anthocyanins can be quite beneficial in preventing metabolic disorders.³Anthocyanins can help in a range of conditions. For example, they can help reduce insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and much more. Therefore, anthocyanins can help prevent conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and even cancer.³

Prevent Lipid Oxidation and Therefore Atherosclerosis

Oxidised serum LDL-cholesterol is especially bad for cardiovascular health, as it can cause blocked arteries and significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Studies show that Blueberries are quite good for preventing lipid oxidation.⁴
Improve Brain Function and Slow Down Cognition Decline

Blueberries are especially good for the older adult as they help prevent brain aging and cognition decline. Studies suggest that these benefits are mainly due to the anthocyanins and other polyphenolic compounds found in Blueberries. However, it is quite likely that Blueberries help due to other beneficial compounds.⁵
Prevent Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

When it comes to preventing recurrent urinary tract infections, cranberries are highly recommended. However, new studies show that Blueberries also contain cranberry like substances, and therefore they can prevent the adhesion of various pathogenic agents. Therefore, consuming Blueberries could also be an excellent way to prevent urinary tract infections.⁶

Blueberries have many other health benefits: they may improve gut health, are good for vision, and reduce the risk of various cancers.² Moreover, blueberries are quite delicious and easy to include in a daily diet. Additionally, they can be frozen to prolong their shelf-life, and it appears that frozen berries are almost as good as fresh berries.

Side Effects of Blueberries

There are no known side effects of Blueberries. They rarely cause allergies, unlike strawberries. Most people can safely consume them in large amounts. It is suggested that fresh Blueberries be included in a person’s regular diet to slow down aging and prevent various chronic disorders.

Properties

Anti-Aging¹
Antioxidant²
Anti-Stress³
Atherosclerosis⁴
Blood Pressure – Reduces³
Brain Function / Neuroprotective⁵
Cancer Prevention³
Cardiovascular Support³^,⁴
Dementia Prevention⁵
Diabetes / Blood Sugar³
High in / Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds²
High in / Good Levels of Carbohydrates¹
High in / Good Levels of Fibre¹
High in / Good Levels of Polyphenols²
High in / Good Levels of Vitamin C²
High in / Good Levels of Vitamin K²
Urinary Tract Issues⁶
Weight Loss / Management³

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