Seven Proven Health Benefits from Blueberries
7 Proven Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries can be tasty, nutritious, and healthy. They are also one of the most sought-after fruits within North America. But did you know that blueberries are also good for your overall health?
Have you ever thought about the fact that eating just one cup blueberries daily can bring many benefits? In fact, blueberries may help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, arthritis, and even depression. They also taste delicious!
If you've not tried blueberries before, here's your chance to try them out. This article will teach you everything you should learn about these small gems.
What Are Blueberries?
Blueberries They are a small rectangular fruit that grows within North America and Europe. The term "blue" is derived from the colour of the flesh. The inside is actually purple. There are two types of blueberries both cultivated and wild. Blueberries that are wild can be found naturally in forests as well as along river banks. They are also cultivated. blueberries are cultivated in greenhouses. Both varieties of blueberries are used in medical and food applications.
Blueberries Are Rich in Nutrients, But Poor in Calories
Blueberries contain packed with antioxidants, fiber minerals and vitamins. Their nutritional worth makes them an ideal supplement in the eating habits. They contain:
- 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, phosphorus, zinc, niacin and thiamine. They also contain riboflavin, biotin, pantothenic acid as well as vitamins B6 and E.
They also contain diet fiber, flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols and phenolic acids.
Benefits for health advantages of blueberries include decreasing risk of possibility of cardiovascular disease such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosisas well as obesity, Alzheimer's disease and colon cancer.
Blueberries can also be used to treat diarrhea, urinary tract infections as well as constipation.
Anthocyanins in Blueberries May Improve Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a state where blood glucose levels increase after eating as the body fails to respond appropriately to insulin. This means that the cells aren't able to absorb glucose efficiently.
Insulin resistance is also known as pre-diabetes also known as metabolic syndrome. In reality, there are two types of insulin resistance Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes develops because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops as the body becomes intolerant to insulin.
The most prevalent cause of Type 2 Diabetes is overweight. Obesity is defined as having BMI ( body mass index) over 30 kg/m2.
Obesity can increase the amount of fat that is stored in the body. Fat stores energy in the form of triglycerides and cholesterol.
Triglycerides and cholesterol reside in the muscles and liver. When these organs get overloaded with cholesterol and excess triglyceride they start to store them instead of releasing them for use.
The result is an increase in the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides within the bloodstream. When more cholesterol and triglycerides get into the bloodstream, your body responds by producing even greater levels of insulin.
In the end, the person might feel hungry between meals and eat large quantities of food. In the end the body produces too much insulin and is unable to release any.
In addition to causing an increase in weight, obesity could result in coronary disease as well as stroke, gallbladder problems sleep apnea and osteoarthritis.
Blueberry extract contains anthocyanins which help improve insulin sensitivity. Anthocyanins is a natural, plant-based pigment that give fruits and vegetables their color.
Health Benefits Of Eating Blueberries
There are a variety of reasons people should eat blueberries. First of all, they are very tasty and easy to prepare. You can incorporate them into muffins and pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies and juices, salads cereals, pies, cakes, cookies, ice cream, jams, jellies, soups, sauces, etc. They're also great for diabetics since they help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, they are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants fight free radicals in our bodily system and stop cell damage. This allows us to live longer and healthier lives. They also help protect against cancer. Blueberries are an excellent sources of vitamin C manganese, vitamin K, calcium and phosphorous, zinc selenium, copper magnesium, iron, sodium, protein, dietary fiber, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, phenolics, ellagic acid, phytosterols, tannins carotenoids and other substances.
Impact on Blueberries on Aging and Cancer
Blueberries have antioxidants which can help prevent the development of cancer and aging. A study revealed it was found that blueberry extract reduced the damage to DNA caused by radiation treatment for prostate cancer.
The study also found that extracts can reduce side effects of chemotherapy.
They are high with anthocyanins, flavonoids and phenolic acids that provide antioxidant protection. Anthocyanins can be powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can help in the prevention of heart disease..
Also, they have ellagic acid which helps fight cancer. Ellagic acid is an active ingredient found in the juice of pomegranate, which is used to combat breast cancer.
A study from the past showed it was possible to consume three cups of fruit each week can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Effect of Blueberries on Cognitive Performance and Brain Function
Blueberries are a great source of vitamin C. positive health effects associated with eating blueberries include better memory, improved cognition as well as a reduction in blood pressure, increased levels of energy, improved immune system functions, a decrease in prevalence of diabetes, lower cholesterol levels, and protection from cardiovascular disease.
They are one of the highest antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable?
Blueberries are discovered to have many beneficial health properties due to the high antioxidant level. Antioxidants safeguard the body from damage caused by free radicals which is caused by our consumption of food. Free radicals cause cell damage and contribute to diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, and cataracts. The most powerful antioxidant compound in blueberries is called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins represent pigments, which give blueberries their color. They also play a role in imparting a distinctive taste.
Ketogenic and Mediterranean Diet
Ketogenic diet is a low-carb, moderate protein and with a high-fat diet. It was designed to simulate ketosis, which is a result of eating very small amounts of carbs and a lot of fats. If you are following this type of diet it is believed that your body produces ketones which are used to fuel you mind and your muscles. This allows you to lose fat without needing to use carbohydrates.
Mediterranean Diet is a wide range of foods that are thought to be healthy. However, they contain some harmful ingredients like salt and sugar. It is recommended that a Mediterranean food plan should consist of whole cereals, legumes, and vegetables such as fish, nuts and fish dairy products, olive oil as well as spices, herbs, and fruits..
Fresh or frozen blueberries. If you'd like to freeze your blueberries first clean them thoroughly, then place them into freezer bags. Return them to the freezer after 2 hours. After you have taken them out, let them cool completely before using.
If you are making muffins, you must begin mixing the dry ingredients (flour baking soda, flour, baking powder, salt) and wet ingredients (eggs milk, sour cream, melted butter). Then, add blueberries. blueberries. Finally put the batter in the pan that you have prepared and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit over 20 minutes. Cool and then enjoy!