There aren’t too many people who don’t like the tangy, sweet taste of blueberries. But, the best part of blueberries isn’t their delicious taste, but the many health benefits that are associated with this amazing superfood.
1. Blueberries Delay the Aging Process
If we consider the effect of free radicals on aging as the main cause of various symptoms, then blueberries offer a bright ray of hope for staying young. These small berries are packed with antioxidants – in fact, they rank number 1 in the world of antioxidants. This is mainly due to the presence of anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the blue color of the blueberries. The abundance of vitamin C is also a big factor for this impressive claim as well. You can prevent signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, cataracts, osteoporosis, hair loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease by adding more blueberries to your diet.
2. Blueberries Improve Brain Function
Again, the antioxidant properties of blueberries come into play. The anthocyanin, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese can heal nervous disorders by preventing the degeneration and death of neurons. These essential nutrients also protect brain cells and help restore the health of the central nervous system. There are even studies suggesting that these berries can cure serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent. They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues to keep your memory sharp for a very long time.
3. Blueberries Promote Digestion
The roughage (fiber) present in blueberries prevents constipation. Also, the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose, and acids improve digestion by stimulating the correct gastric and digestive juices to move food smoothly and safely through your gastrointestinal system.
4. Blueberries Can Prevent Cancer
Blueberries contain certain compounds like pterostilbene (an excellent remedy for colon and liver cancer) and ellagic acid. These two, in harmony with anthocyanin and other antioxidants like vitamin C and copper, are a powerful combination in preventing cancer.
5. Blueberries Promote Good Eye Health
Blueberries are one of the best alternatives for spectacles, contact-lenses, eye-drops, medications, and eye surgeries. They can prevent or delay many age-related ocular problems like macular degeneration, cataracts, myopia, hypermetropia, dryness, and infections, particularly those pertaining to the retina, due to their antioxidant properties. Macular degeneration is a serious problem where the retina of the eye degenerates gradually, ultimately leading to complete or partial blindness. Blueberries contain special antioxidants called carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin etc.), flavonoids (like rutin, resveratrol, quercetin etc.), and other antioxidant compounds, which are all very beneficial and essential for ocular health.
6. Blueberries Can Prevent Heart Disease
The high fiber content, antioxidants, and the ability to dissolve the ‘LDL or bad cholesterol’ make blueberries an ideal dietary supplement to cure many heart diseases, while also strengthening the cardiac muscles.
7. Blueberries Boost Immunity
Blueberries can boost your immune system and prevent infections. When your immune system is strong, you are less likely to catch colds, the flu, develop fevers, and countless other communicable diseases spread by bacteria and viruses.
Closing Thoughts
You may not have realized the many benefits associated with adding blueberries to your dietary plan. Not only can they delay the aging process, prevent cancer, promote good eye health, and boost your immunity, they’re a delicious treat as well!
