What is blueberries good for you

Take that, cold and flu season! These fight free radicals and help prevent certain cancers, heart conditions, and aging. Blueberries have the highest capacity of antioxidants of all popular fruits and vegetables.

The powerful antioxidants in blueberries reduce bad cholesterol LDL. Like cranberries, blueberries contain proanthocyanidins, known to help prevent urinary tract infections UTIs by preventing certain bacteria from sticking to the wall of your bladder.

And they are so much sweeter to eat. The manganese in blueberries improves bone development and helps metabolize protein, carbs, and fat. Great for your diet! The carbohydrates in blueberries are from natural sugars and fiber — no man-made anything. Fresh, frozen, or even juiced blueberries can reduce DNA damage and help skin look younger. Blueberries are one of the most versatile superfoods available.

Where do Blueberries Come From Originally? The possibilities are endless. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and read about the health benefits of cranberry and cranberry juice , raspberries and strawberries. Then, check out some of our brilliant blueberry recipes and blueberry pancake recipes. Blueberries contain one of the highest antioxidant levels amongst commonly consumed fruit and vegetables.

This is typically referred to as the ORAC score. They are extremely rich in naturally occurring plant compounds called phytochemicals such as ellagic acid and anthocyanidins. These phytochemicals are responsible for the blue, indigo and red colouring of the berry.

The phytochemicals in blueberries have been extensively researched for their protective properties, which helps the body combat a long list of diseases. Research has shown that anthocyanidins, which are found in berry fruits, may support the cardiovascular system. They appear to do this by supporting the health of blood vessels and reducing the arterial stiffness which is associated with ageing.

Blueberries are both low in sugar and a good source of fibre, as a result they have a low Glycaemic Index GI. This, together with their high flavonoid content, may help improve insulin sensitivity which is important for managing blood sugar levels. Including blueberries regularly in your diet may improve vision and guard against age-related macular degeneration.

This is thought to be thanks to the improved blood and oxygen flow to the eyes and the antioxidant protection which may help reduce the likelihood of cataract and macular degeneration. Traditional medicine suggests blueberries may be a useful remedy for both gastrointestinal conditions and urinary tract infections. One study showed that over the course of 6 months in storage, the anthocyanin degraded by 59 percent.

However, this is not confirmed, and different sources take different stances on whether freezing blueberries reduces their impact on health. When in doubt, buy fresh, organic blueberries. Although more research is needed, blueberries are strongly linked to various different elements of healthful living.

Blueberries contain iron, phosphorous, calcium , magnesium , manganese, zinc, and vitamin K. Each of these is a component of bone. Adequate intake of these minerals and vitamins contributes to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.

Iron and zinc fulfil crucial roles in maintaining the strength and elasticity of bones and joints. Low intakes of vitamin K have been linked to a higher risk of bone fracture. However, adequate vitamin K intake improves calcium absorption and may reduce calcium loss.

Collagen is the support system of the skin. It relies on vitamin C as an essential nutrient, and works to help prevent skin damage caused by the sun, pollution, and smoke. One cup of blueberries provides 24 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Maintaining low sodium levels is essential to keeping blood pressure at a healthful level.

Blueberries are free of sodium. They contain potassium , calcium, and magnesium. Some studies have shown that diets low in these minerals are associated with higher blood pressure. Adequate dietary intake of these minerals is thought to help reduce blood pressure. However, other studies have counteracted these findings. For example, a study of people with metabolic syndrome found that daily blueberry consumption for 6 weeks did not affect blood pressure levels.

Studies have found that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have low blood glucose levels, and people with type 2 diabetes who consume the same may have improved blood sugar, lipid, and insulin levels. One cup of blueberries contributes 3. A large cohort study published in the BMJ suggested that certain fruits may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults.

Over the course of the study, 6. However, the researchers found that consuming three servings per week of blueberries, grapes, raisins, apples or pears reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7 percent. The fiber, potassium, folate , vitamin C, vitamin B6, and phytonutrient content in blueberries supports heart health. The absence of cholesterol from blueberries is also beneficial to the heart.