10 Health Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries are a common super food with a great deal of health benefits, plus they taste great. In fact, there are many wonderful health benefits of blueberries – some of them you may not even be aware of. Blueberries can help improve our health in a myriad of different ways, from aiding in digestion to heart health. If your New Year’s Resolution is to eat better, consider adding these delicious little berries into your diet.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
High antioxidant value. Blueberries are extremely high in antioxidants, in fact, the highest of any fruit. Antioxidants like anthocyanin, vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper, zinc, and iron are just a few of the antioxidants this small fruit packs.
Neutralize free radicals. We can’t escape free radicals. In our daily environment, we are surrounded by those things which will age us and cause disease. Fortunately, blueberries can neutralize these free radicals, making their effect less on our bodies.
Help reduce belly fat. Every woman that’s ever been on a diet will like this one. Blueberries can help reduce belly fat. Combine blueberries in your healthy diet and exercise program to see a flatter stomach.
Aid in urinary tract health. Blueberries can also improve urinary tract function. Blueberries can help fight the bacteria that often grow in our urinary systems. It’s the bacteria that often cause painful infections. Eating blueberries may help eliminate problems with bacteria.
Heart health. Blueberries are extremely high in fiber, which helps our hearts. Combined with the powerful antioxidants, the fiber in blueberries helps to strength the cardiovascular system. Blueberries have also been shown to improve blood fat balances, reduce total cholesterol, and lower triglycerides.
Improves mood. Blueberries can actually improve our moods. In some studies, blueberries have been proves to work as anti-depressants.
Helps brain function. We all want to be smarter, right? Blueberries can help improve our cognitive brain function, including the section of the brain that affects memory. In addition, some studies suggest that blueberries not only help with memory, but also help in slowing down the onset of cognitive problems that often occur with aging.
Helps with blood sugar. If you have type 2 diabetes, then you know the special challenge that comes along with blood sugar levels. Blueberries have been shown numerous times to have a favorable impact on blood sugar balance. Even though blueberries aren’t low on the glycemic index (GI), they act like a low-GI fruit when it comes to blood sugar.
Improves eye health. Forget the carrots! If you want to see better, eat blueberries. Anthocyanins contained in blueberries have been shown to help protect the retina from oxygen damage. Blueberries also may help protect the retina from damage caused by sunlight.
Helps fight cancer. Blueberries can help fight several forms of cancer including: esophageal cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and cancers of the small intestine.
How to Eat Blueberries
Now that you know some of the incredible health benefits of blueberries, you may be wondering how to eat them. Well, there are several ways you can incorporate blueberries easily into your daily routine.
Eat them whole. You can eat blueberries whole. They are delicious as a snack and can easily be taken with you anywhere you go. Put a handful in a Ziploc bag to keep at your desk at work, in your purse, or even in the car.
Make a smoothie. Combine some milk and ice in a blender with the delicious blueberries and you have a yummy smoothie. You’ll trick yourself into thinking your drinking something unhealthy because it tastes so great.
Add to your meals. It’s easy to add blueberries to your daily meals. Sprinkle blueberries on your salad or put some blueberry jam on your chicken. Blueberries blend well with most foods.
Bake in muffins. Add blueberries to your favorite muffin recipe. This is a great little snack for kids as they come home from school or as a quick and easy breakfast.
Mix in yogurt. Give your plain yogurt a boost by mixing in whole blueberries.
Dip in chocolate. If you feel like a real treat, dip your blueberries in some melted chocolate. You can even freeze them for a delicious frozen treat.
Add to oatmeal. If you are in a rut with your oatmeal, add some blueberries for an extra kick. It’s a quick and healthy way to add sweetness to bland oatmeal.
Remember, the deeper the color, the more rich in antioxidants your blueberries are. Choose fruit that has a rich, dark color to get the greatest health benefits. With so many easy ways to incorporate blueberries into your diet, it makes sense to start eating more of this tasty fruit. Add some blueberries to a salad, mix them up in a smoothie, or simply eat them on their own for a delicious snack. You’ll be eating sweet, delicious berries and your body will thank you later.
