Blueberries ranks second to strawberries in the family of berries. Not only so, Blueberries are repeatedly added in US diet because of their exclusive antioxidant properties among all fruits, spices, vegetables and seasonings. Let’s get into more depth to know the amazing health benefits of Blueberries.
Blueberries are considered as a native fruit of North America. It tastes quite ‘tangy’ and appears to be in dark indigo color. |The fruit ‘Blueberry’ comes under the family “Vaccinium” and they are know to be found in two types.
- Wild or Low-bush berry under scientific name Vaccinium angustifolium
- Cultivated or High-bush berry under scientific name Vaccinium corymbosum
Nutritional Content in Blueberries:
Blueberries are famous because of their Nutritional content. Of all the fruits and vegetable, Blueberries have high level of nutrients and antioxidants. It contains Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Vitamin B complex, Fiber, Manganese, Gallic Acid, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, Flavonoids etc. Presence of Polyphenol – anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, powerful antioxidants prevents the body from free radicals and toxins which directly damage brain and body growth.
What are the Health benefits of Blueberries?
Fight against Urinary Tract infection (UTI ) :
Urinary Tract infection are caused by certain bacterias like E Coli, which grows along your urinary tract’s inner wall. Berries like cranberries, blueberries have powerful antioxidant properties that restrict the growth of these bacteria. Eating cranberries, Blueberries prevent and kill bacteria which causes Urinary Tract infection and keep our Urinary tract and system secured.
Eye sight Protector :
Anthocyanin, a vacuolar pigment present in the deep blue pigmented blueberries helps to reduce eye strain and tiredness and it is also a powerful antioxidant. They prevent all types of age related problems like dryness of eyes, infections, and from any harmful substances that affect retina, Macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is considered as a serious problem that causes the retina of the eye to degenerate slowly, and ultimately leading to partial or even complete blindness. But from eating blueberries that contains special nutrients like Zeaxanthin, Lutein ( called as Carotenoids ) and rutin, resveratrol, quercetin ( called as Flavonoids ), you will benefit these antioxidant properties for better health.
Aging:
Blueberry has anti-ageing property that slows down the ageing process, keeping us always young by preventing wrinkles, age spots, dementia, hair loss, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. And one of the powerful antioxidant Proanthocyanidins is an anti-inflammatory naturally. Carotene-ß, Lutein and Zeaxanthin are other powerful antioxidants help for healthy growth.
Brain Health :
Abundance of Gallic Acid, a phenol in Blueberries protects the brain nerves. Gallic Acid protects our brain from various degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Neurotoxins and stress due to oxidation. The nutrients like anthocyanins, zinc, Vitamins A, c, and E and B-complex, Manganese etc., heal the neurotic disorders and prevents the death of neurons and degeneration. These berries not only help neurons but also helps brain cells and plays a great role in helping central nervous system.
Cancer fighter :
It has been found clinically that Gallic Acid possesses Anti-cancer property which kills cancers cells without destroying healthy cells. Blueberry’s Gallic Acid is also preventing women from breast cancer initially and it is being supported by Resveratrol, another antioxidant of anti-cancer property.
Healthy Digestion :
Blueberries have both soluble and insoluble Fibers, it helps to promote good digestion. Presence of Prebiotic promotes the good bacterial growth in colon and destroys all bad bacteria thus keeps the digestive gut healthy.
Obesity :
Blueberries’ low calories, high fiber, low glucose inducing level ( tracked by Glycemic Index ) properties helps for weight loss and to maintain the healthy weight. Generally high fiber and low Glycemic Index blueberries stay for a long time absorption process. So hunger, craving on food is queued.
Skin softener :
Blueberries antioxidant property extremely acts a facial product when combined with brown sugar and lemon juice. It sweeps away wrinkles, sunburns, blemishes and makes us naturally fair. Due to its antioxidant property, collagen deterioration is prevented which in turns helps to maintain the skin from ageing process.
Cardiovascular :
Regular intake of Blueberries at least 3 months, presence of high fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and phytonutrient content will reduce the total cholesterol level, raise HDL and lessen Triglycerides level and maintains the fat levels. Blueberries protect the cell linings on blood vessel walls, protects the blood components from oxygen damage where it causes blood clogging in the vessels.
Hypertension free :
Blueberries are naturally free from sodium, where excess deposition of sodium causes hypertension. Presence of Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium has the property to decrease the hypertension. So consuming Blueberries is a safer play to control our high blood pressure.
Diabetic controller :
Diabetic is significantly controlled by consuming blueberries in a required amount. High fiber diets will have low blood glucose which controls Type 1 Diabetics whereas Type 2 Diabetics is controlled by improved Lipid, Insulin and blood sugar levels.