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From Losing Weight To Preventing Cancer, Here Are The Health Benefits Of Blueberries
Blueberries are a favourite in the summer season as they are succulent and nutritious and have a sweet flavour. They are a popular superfood, so here's everything you need to know about the health benefits of blueberries.
A plant compound called anthocyanin gives the berries their blue colour [1]. Anthocyanin also protects against heart disease, prevents cancer, lowers blood pressure etc.
Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits [2] and one of the most exotic berries.
There are two types of blueberries:
- Highbush blueberries: These are the most common variety cultivated in the US
- Lowbush or wild blueberries: They are smaller and rich in some antioxidants [3].
Nutritional Value Of Blueberries
100 g of raw blueberries contain 84.21 g water, 57 kcal energy and they also contain:
- 0.74 g protein
- 0.33 g fat
- 14.49 g carbohydrate
- 2.4 g fibre
- 9.96 g sugar
- 6 mg calcium
- 0.28 mg iron
- 6 mg magnesium
- 12 mg phosphorus
- 77 mg potassium
- 1 mg sodium
- 0.16 mg zinc
- 9.7 mg vitamin C
- 0.037 mg thiamine
- 0.041 mg riboflavin
- 0.418 mg niacin
- 0.052 mg vitamin B6
- 6 mcg folate
- 54 IU vitamin A
- 0.57 mg vitamin E
- 19.3 mcg vitamin K
Health Benefits Of Blueberries
1. Support healthy bones
Blueberries contain phosphorous, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin K. All these nutrients contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength. Zinc and iron play an important role in preserving the strength and elasticity of the bones and joints. The intake of vitamin K improves better calcium absorption which may reduce the loss of calcium [4] .
13 Incredible Health Benefits Of Loganberry
2. Lower blood pressure
Blueberries are low in sodium and high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium which help reduce high blood pressure levels. High blood pressure level increases the risk of heart disease. According to a study, obese people who had a higher risk of heart disease consumed 50 g of blueberries per day and saw a 4 to 6 per cent reduction in their blood pressure levels [5].
Another study published in the Journal of Gerontology Series A has found that consuming 200 g of blueberries daily for a month can improve blood vessel function and lower systolic blood pressure in healthy individuals [6] .
3. Prevent cancer
Vitamin C, vitamin A and the various phytonutrients present in blueberries function as powerful antioxidants which help protect cells against DNA damage which causes cancer. The antioxidants can neutralize some of the free radicals that damage your DNA and can inhibit tumour growth and prevent the cancers of stomach, prostate, breast and intestine [7].
4. Protect against heart disease
Blueberries contain fibre, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and phytonutrients. These nutrients support heart health. The fibre content helps lower bad cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease. Anthocyanins, the primary antioxidant in blueberries can also lower the risk of heart attacks by 32 per cent in young and middle-aged women, according to a study [8] .
5. Promote weight loss
The dietary fibre in blueberries can help in weight management and weight loss because it increases satiety, reduces appetite and keeps your stomach full for a longer period of time. Animal studies have shown that eating blueberries or drinking its juice can prevent obesity [9] .
6. Manage diabetes
The bioactive compounds in blueberries diminish the negative impact of sugar in the body. The anthocyanins in blueberries have anti-diabetic effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Improved insulin sensitivity lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome [10] . Consume three servings of blueberries per week to reduce the risk of diabetes.
7. Boost brain health
One of the health benefits of blueberries is its ability to improve brain function. Blueberries are packed full of antioxidants, which protect the brain from free radical damage and enhance healthy brain ageing [11] . According to a study, drinking wild blueberry juice every day for 12 weeks will help improve brain function [12] .
8. Reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many harmful diseases and illnesses like cancer, autoimmune conditions, heart disease and even depression. The high amount of antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to have a significant anti-inflammatory effect in the body [13] . In addition, blueberries can help reduce muscle inflammation after a strenuous exercise and also aid in faster muscle recovery [14] .
9. Treat urinary tract infections
Similar to cranberries, blueberries contain certain substances that help prevent E. coli bacteria from binding to the walls of the urinary bladder which causes urinary tract infection [15] .
10. Prevent constipation
Blueberries contain good amounts of fibre which promote regularity and healthy digestion. The fibre passes through the gastrointestinal tract undigested, adding bulk to your stool. This reduces the chances of constipation and diarrhoea.
11. Maintain eye health
Blueberries contain antioxidants that are good for your eyesight and lower the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and other eye conditions. Eating blueberries every day will prevent eye damage caused by pollution and dust.
12. Promote skin health
Blueberries are loaded with vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that prevents skin damage caused by the sun, pollution and smoke. Vitamin C may also aid in improving the collagen's ability to delay wrinkles and boost overall skin texture.
13. Lower depression
Antioxidant-rich blueberries have antidepressant properties that decrease the risk of depression and enhance mood in children and young adults [16] . The antidepressant properties of blueberries are also known to improve autoimmunity and reduce gastrointestinal infection in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis disease [17] .
Side Effects Of Blueberries
Eating blueberries before a scheduled surgery could interfere with blood glucose levels during and after surgery. The berries should be avoided if you have an allergic reaction or if you are on blood-thinning medicines.
How To Select And Store Blueberries
It is recommended to choose blueberries that are firm, fresh and free from moisture. You can also opt for frozen blueberries, they lose texture faster than the fresh ones, but the flavour remains the same. You can store fresh blueberries in the refrigerator and freeze them as well.
Ways To Add Blueberries In Your Diet
•
Whip
up
a
smoothie
using
frozen
blueberries,
low-fat
milk,
and
yogurt.
•
Mix
fresh
blueberries
into
a
spinach
salad
with
walnuts
and
feta
cheese.
•
Add
blueberries
in
oatmeal,
waffles,
pancakes,
yogurt,
or
cereal
for
an
extra
burst
of
flavour
and
nutrition
for
your
breakfast.
•
You
can
add
blueberries
in
baking
dishes
like
blueberry
muffin
or
blueberry
cake.
Blueberry Recipes
Chicken & avocado salad with blueberry balsamic dressing [18]
Ingredients:
•
85
g
blueberries
•
2
tsp
balsamic
vinegar
•
1
garlic
clove
•
1
tbsp
extra
virgin
rapeseed
oil
•
125
g
fresh
baby
broad
beans
•
1
avocado
sliced
•
1
large
cooked
beetroot,
finely
chopped
•
175
g
cooked
chicken
•
85
g
mixed
baby
leaf
salad
Method:
•
Chop
the
garlic.
In
a
large
bowl,
mash
half
the
blueberries
with
the
oil,
black
pepper
and
vinegar.
•
Boil
the
baby
beans
for
5
minutes
until
tender.
•
Add
the
garlic,
beans,
beetroot,
avocado,
salad
leaves,
chicken
and
the
remaining
blueberries
into
the
dressing.
•
Toss
it
and
serve.
Instant frozen berry yogurt
Ingredients: [19]
•
250
g
frozen
mixed
berries
•
1
tbsp
honey
•
250
g
Greek
yogurt
Method:
•
Blend
berries,
Greek
yogurt
and
honey
in
a
food
blender
until
smooth.
•
Serve
and
enjoy!
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