Seven Proven Health Benefits from Blueberries
7 Proven Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries are tasty and nutritious. They are also healthy. They also happen to be among the top popular food items across North America. But did you realize the fact that blueberries are also good for your well-being?
Did you know that eating just one cup blueberries every day has many advantages? In fact, blueberries may help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, arthritis, and even depression. The taste is also amazing!
If you've never tasted blueberries before, now is the chance to experience them. This article will tell you everything you have to know about these little gems.
What Are Blueberries?
Blueberries blueberries small roundish fruit that is found throughout North America and Europe. The term "blue" comes from the hue that its flesh. Actually, it is purple inside. There are two types of blueberries grown and wild. Wild blueberries occur naturally in forest and along rivers. Cultivated blueberries are produced in greenhouses. Both varieties of blueberries are utilized for medical and food applications.
Blueberries Are Rich in Nutrients, But Poor in Calories
Blueberries are filled with antioxidants, fiber minerals, and vitamins. Their nutritional quality makes them an excellent addition to your diet. They are made up of:
- vitamin C,
- potassium,
- manganese,
- copper,
- magnesium,
- phosphorus,
- iron,
- niacin,
- riboflavin,
- thiamine,
- folate,
- pantothenic acid
- biotin,
- Folic acid and
- many others.
Antioxidant Capacity of Blueberries
Antioxidants help protect against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Blueberries are also rich in potassium fibrous, vitamin C, folate, manganese copper, magnesium zinc, phosphorus, riboflavin, thiamine, biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamins B6 and E.
They also contain food fiber, flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and ellagic acids, phytosterols, and phenolic acids.
Blueberries are healthy. The advantages of blueberries are reduction in the risks of cardiovascular diseases including type 2 diabetes osteoporosis, obesity, Alzheimer's disease and colon cancer.
Blueberries can be used to treat urinary tract infections, diarrhea as well as constipation.
Anthocyanins in Blueberries May Improve Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a condition in which blood glucose levels rise after eating due to the body's inability to react properly to insulin. The cells don't absorb glucose efficiently.
Insulin resistance is often referred to as pre-diabetes, also known as metabolic syndrome. Actually, there are two types of insulin resistance one type of diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes happens in the event that your body develops resistance to the hormone insulin..
The most common reason for kind 2 diabetes can be traced to the presence of obesity. Obesity refers to having BMI ( body mass index) that is greater than 30kg/m2.
Obesity can increase the amount of fat that is stored in the body. Fat stores energy through cholesterol and triglycerides.
Triglycerides and cholesterol reside in the liver and muscles. When these organs get overloaded with cholesterol and triglycerides, they begin to store them, instead of releasing them to be used.
This results in an increase in the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. When more cholesterol and triglycerides are introduced into the bloodstream, the body responds by producing even greater levels of insulin.
The individual may be hungry throughout the day and eat lots of food. In the end, it is discovered that the system produces excessive insulin and is unable to release any.
As well as causing an increase in weight, obesity could result in cardiovascular disease, gallbladder disorders, stroke sleep apnea, as well as osteoarthritis.
Blueberry extract contains anthocyanins which help improve insulin sensitivity. Anthocyanins are natural plant pigments that give vegetables and fruits their colour.
Health Benefits Of Eating Blueberries
There are many reasons people should eat blueberries. In the first place, they are extremely tasty and easy to cook. They can be added to muffins and pancakes, oatmeal and yogurt, smoothies salads, juices, cakes, cereals, pies, cookies, ice cream jams, jellies, sauces, soups, etc. They are also good for people with diabetes as they help control the blood sugar level. Additionally, they are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants combat free radicals in our body and stop cell damage. This helps us live longer and live healthier lives. Additionally, they help fight cancer. Blueberries are a great supply of Vitamin C manganese, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous. They also contain zinc, selenium, copper, magnesium, iron, sodium, protein, flavonoids from dietary fibers, anthocyanidins, phenolicsand ellagic acid, tannins, phytosterols, carotenoids and many other compounds.
Effects of Blueberries in preventing aging and Cancer
Blueberries contain antioxidants which protect against the development of cancer and aging. A study has found blueberry extract reduced the risk of cancer and aging. blueberry extracts reduced DNA damage caused by radiation therapy for prostate cancer..
The study also demonstrated extracts could reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy.
They are rich with anthocyanins flavonoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids , which offer antioxidant protection. Anthocyanins can be powerful anti-inflammatory agents which may help in the prevention of heart disease..
Additionally, they contain ellagic Acid, which aids in fighting cancer. Ellagic acid is an active ingredient found in the juice of the pomegranate plant that is used to combat women with breast cancer.
A study from the past showed that eating three servings of fruit each week can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Effect of Blueberries on Cognitive Performance and Brain Function
These advantages that come from eating blueberries include better memory, increased mental performance as well as a reduction in blood pressure, increased energy levels, improved immune system functioning, decreased rate of diabetes, less cholesterol, and protection against cardiovascular disease.
They contain one of the higher antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable?
Blueberries are proven to provide many beneficial health properties due to their high antioxidant level. Antioxidants safeguard your body from damage caused by free radicals which can be caused by eating food. Free radicals can cause cell damage and contribute to diseases such as cancer, heart disease diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, and cataracts. The most powerful antioxidant compound in blueberries is called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins can be described as pigments which give their their color. They are also responsible for providing a distinct flavor.
Ketogenic and Mediterranean Diet
Ketogenic diet is a low-carb, moderate protein, very fat lifestyle. It was designed to simulate a state of ketosis which occurs when you consume very little carbs and lots of fats. If you are following this type of diet it is believed that your body produces ketones which serve as fuel for you brain and muscle. This allows you to reduce fat, without the need to use carbohydrates.
Mediterranean diet contains a variety of food items that are considered healthy. However, they contain certain unhealthy ingredients like sugar and salt. A Mediterranean lifestyle should include whole cereals, legumes, and vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil, dairy products, herbs, spices, and fruits..
Fresh as well as frozen blueberries. If you want to store your blueberries, first wash them well, then place them in freezer bags. Place them back in the freezer after two hours. When you are ready to take them out, let them thaw completely before using them.
If you are making muffins, begin by mixing the dry ingredients (flour baking soda, flour baking powder and salt) and wet ingredients (eggs milk, sour cream, melted butter). After that, mix in your blueberries. Finally add the batter to the pan that you have prepared and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Cool and then have a blast!