Benefits of Blueberries
Have you ever tasted blueberries? Did you like the tangy taste? Most people do, and if you did, then you will like them even more in a few minutes after knowing how wonderful these berries are. For those who have never tasted or seen one of these powerful berries and also for those who know them quite well, a small introduction won’t hurt before we proceed to all the amazing health benefits of this “superfood”.
What are Blueberries?
Blueberries are fruits that belong to the Vaccinium family and can be found in three types. First is the wild or the “low-bush” blueberry, which bears the scientific name Vaccinium angustifolium. The second variety, Vaccinium corymbosum, is commonly known as the cultivated or the “high-bush” blueberry. There is one other type, but that variety is quite uncommon and has the scientific name Vaccinium pallidum.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
The health benefits of this amazing superfood are discussed below.
Improve Brain Function
Again, the antioxidant properties of blueberries come into play. The anthocyanin, selenium, vitamin A, C, E, vitamin B complex, zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese can heal neurotic disorders by preventing the degeneration and death of neurons. These essential nutrients also protect brain cells and help to restore the health of the central nervous system. It is hard to believe that these berries can also cure serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent. They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues to keep your memory sharp for a very long time.
Eye Care
Blueberries are one of the best alternatives for spectacles, contact-lenses, eye-drops, medications, and eye surgeries. They can prevent or delay all age-related ocular problems like macular degeneration, cataracts, myopia and hypermetropia, dryness, and infections, particularly those pertaining to the retina, due to their antioxidant properties. Macular degeneration is a serious problem where the retina of the eye degenerates gradually, ultimately leading to complete or partial blindness. You cannot directly put blueberries in your eyes, but you can simply eat them for a healthier vision. Blueberries contain special antioxidants called carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin etc.), flavonoids (like rutin, resveratrol, quercetin etc.), and other antioxidant compounds like vitamin A, C, E, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus, which are all very beneficial and essential for ocular health.
Delay Aging
If we consider the effect of free radicals on aging as the main cause of various symptoms, then blueberries bring you the brightest ray of hope for staying young. These “superfoods” are packed with antioxidants and ranked number 1 in the world of antioxidants. This is mainly due to the presence of anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the blue color of the blueberries. The abundance of vitamin C is also a big factor for this impressive claim as well. You can prevent signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, cataracts, osteoporosis, hair loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease by eating blueberries and get the most out of the antioxidant potential!
Promote Digestion
The roughage (fiber) present in blueberries prevents constipation. Also, the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose, and acids improve digestion by stimulating the correct gastric and digestive juices to move food smoothly and safely through your gastrointestinal system.
Boost Immunity
Blueberries can boost your immune system and prevent infections. Once your immune system is strong, you won’t catch colds, fever, pox, and countless other communicable diseases spread by bacteria and viruses.
Prevent Cancer
Blueberries can prove to be extremely valuable for cancer patients, for they contain certain compounds like pterostilbene (an excellent remedy for colon and liver cancer) and ellagic acid. These two in harmony with anthocyanin and other antioxidants like vitamin C and copper can do miracles to both prevent and cure cancer.
Other Benefits & Facts: Blueberries keep you feeling fresh, active, fit, sharp, close to nature and in a good mood, as they are very good antidepressants. You also won’t need to spend a lot of money on medicine, because blueberries are effective against many conditions. There are also no negative side effects associated with this “superfood”. A final interesting thing to know about blueberries is that the darker the color of the blueberries, the richer they are in antioxidants and other medicinal nutrients.
