Top 7 Reasons Why Blueberries Are Good For You
Blueberries have amassed so much popularity as one of the most versatile foods. There are also various health benefits that it offers with its functional properties. They also add that splash of color to your dishes which makes it a favorite food for kids.
It is important to note that these small blueberries are packed with antioxidants in the form of polyphenolic compounds. Blueberries are also the richest sources of anthocyanins. It is the anthocyanins that give the berries their lovely and unique vividness.
What happens if you eat blueberries every day?
It has been medically proven that taking 1/3 cup of blueberries has the ability to keep most diseases at bay. Yep, that’s right and this is because a cup of blueberries (148g of blueberries) contains just 84 calories. This also provides you with 3.6 gram of fiber, making up to 14 percent of the fiber requirements you need daily.
Are blueberries good for you?
Yes, they are and we will go into the benefits very soon. Not only does a cup of blueberries contains 3.6 gram of fiber, it is also a rich source of the following:
- Vitamin C – 14 mg
- Manganese – 0.5 mg
- Potassium – 114 mg
- Vitamin K – 29 mcg
- Water – 125 g
Here are the top 7 reasons why blueberries are good for you.
It protects the heart against diseases
Heart diseases are common illnesses and they are one of the most alarming causes of death across the world. They are also no respecter of persons as they affect people of all ages. Due to the high antioxidant and anthocyanin content that blueberries possess, they are able to have a positive impact on glucose and cholesterol uptake by cells. The daily consumption of blueberries have been proven to reduce markers of diabetes, decrease inflammation and reduce fasting glucose and cholesterol levels.
It may help control diabetes
Consuming blueberries can help one to regulate and manage diabetes. Blueberries are classified as superfoods and they can reduce the formation and accumulation of triglycerides, reduce oxidative stress, and improve glucose levels in the blood.
It aids weight loss
Blueberries are high in water content, low in calories and high in fiber and this makes it a great choice when attempting to lose weight. For humans with obesity, consuming blueberries reduces the inflammatory markers that are closely related with obesity. Also, a serving of blueberry daily can help with weight loss effectively.
It improves digestion
Blueberries possess polyphenols that are known to influence the gut microbes. This helps to increase gut microbes and help it produce good bacteria. Consuming blueberries help reduce the symptoms of stomach inflammation and ease the symptoms of constipation.
It helps improve memory
After the consumption of blueberry drinks by kids, it was reported that there was an improvement in cognition and memory. The consumption of concentrated blueberry juice also improves the brain function in adults.
It maintains nerve health
Studies carried out have shown that blueberries have positive impacts in lowering the risk of the Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s diseases. They also protect nerves from getting damaged due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
It preserves the health of vision and the eye
Due to oxidative stress, the retina of the eye is most prone to damage. Due to their antioxidant contents, such as anthocyanins and polyphenols, blueberries help protect the cells of the eye and improve its vision.
Just by eating a cup of blueberries daily can load you up with the following benefits. So, it is advisable that you choose whole and raw fruits over preserved, dried fruit, juices, jellies, or jam blueberries.
Theses are just the top 7 reasons why blueberries are good for you. There are many more, but with just these you may drastically improve your health by eating some every day.
