Blueberries are tiny indigo coloured fruit which is sweet tasting that grows in clusters on a perennial flowering shrub. There are 5 major types of blueberries: Half-high, Southern highbush, Northern highbush, Lowbush, and Rabbiteye.
Blueberries are low in calories, sodium and carbohydrates, high in water content, fiber, are nutrient dense, and are abundant with antioxidants, especially anthocyanin which is responsible for the deep blue colour and powerful health benefits. Blueberries are also a rich source of vitamins C, K, B6, folate, copper, manganese, and potassium.
Blueberries high fiber content promotes digestion and boosts weight loss. Studies have shown blueberries to promote satiety and reduce belly fat. One cup of blueberries contains 15 grams of carbohydrates and 84 calories which makes them an enticing snack for people trying to lose or manage weight loss.
They are a great source of antioxidants which are responsible for free radical scavenging in the body, specifically anthocyanin flavonoids prevent damage due to free radicals in within the body, which includes early aging, cellular structural damage, and various types of cancer.
High levels of calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin K, manganese, and magnesium which help with bone strengthening by increasing bone density and contributing to maintaining bone structure.
The powerful antioxidant anthocyanin within blueberries is responsible for preventing oxidative DNA damage, vitamin C abundance is also a big helper in this matter, which is why blueberries prevent the signs of aging such as hair loss, age spots, wrinkles, cataracts, and other skin issues.
High fiber content and antioxidants give blueberries the ability to dissolve LDL cholesterol and a great dietary supplement to cure certain heart disease while strengthening cardiac muscles, and lower blood pressure.
Blueberry extracts and juice improve insulin sensitivity, and fiber content which is essential for a diabetic diet that will also help to lower blood sugar levels.
Pterostilbene and ellagic acid contained in blueberries in harmony with anthocyanin, copper, vitamin C and other antioxidants can be extremely valuable for cancer patients.
Anthocyanin, selenium, vitamin A, C, E, B complex, sodium, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus can heal nervous disorders by helping to prevent degeneration and death of neurons, protecting brain cells and helping to restore central nervous system health, while healing damaged brain cells and neuron tissues to keep memory sharp.
Blueberries are rich in flavonoids that help to enhance moods and are good antidepressants.
Fiber roughage provided by blueberries helps to prevent constipation. Fiber along with sodium, copper, vitamins, fructose, and acids digestion is improved by stimulating correct gastric and digestive juices to move food smoothly through the gastrointestinal system.
Bacterial colonies such as E.coli which can cause urinary tract infections are inhibited by antibiotic properties in blueberries, just as cranberries.
Age related ocular problems can be delayed or prevented by antioxidant properties contained in blueberries such as carotenoids and flavonoids which are beneficial and essential for ocular health.
The immune system can get a nice boost from blueberries to help prevent infections and other communicable disease spread by viruses and bacteria.
Blueberries can prevent oxidative stress and chronic inflammation with its powerful antioxidants.
Individuals taking warfarin medications should not consume blueberries as the vitamin K content may interfere with blood thinning and may cause blood clots.
Final notes on this yummy little berry that’s just packed full of beneficial goodness; the darker the colour of the berry the richer it is in antioxidants and medicinal nutrients. So basically eat these little gems until your tongue turns blue, it will not only be tasty but it will help you live a long and healthier life.
