Blueberries are perfect examples of the adage "Great things come from small packages." These blueberries may seem very small but they contain a plethora of health benefits. If you are not fond of noshing on blueberries, the following list gives you the reason to start loving blueberries today:
Blueberries help improve memory.
A research conducted at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center yielded impressive results about the link between blueberry intake and memory improvement. The said study involved older adults who were asked to drink wild blueberry juice for a period of 12 weeks. They found out that these older adults experienced significant improvements in their memory functioning after regular blueberry juice consumption. Some experts believe that those anthocyanins found in blueberries are responsible for the improvement of brain signaling that helps facilitate memory and learning. These anthocyanins are also helpful for managing the levels of glucose in the brain to avoid speeding up the process of memory decline.
Blueberries help reduce belly fat.
Blueberries are also beneficial for people who want to reduce their belly fats. Besides, blueberries are also helpful for lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome. Blueberries are low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber is responsible for curbing any food cravings because it makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time. Dietary fiber can also slow down glucose absorption in the body thereby keeping your glucose at stable levels and prevent overproduction of insulin- these actions will contribute towards the prevention of unwanted belly fats.
Blueberries help preserve eye health.
Clinical studies show that blueberries contain compounds that help slow down visual loss. Age-related ocular problems such as cataract, macular degeneration and myopia can be prevented with the help of blueberries. The antioxidants in blueberries can also relieve dryness and treat infections especially those that occur in the retina. Blueberries are small yet they contain numerous antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein. They are also rich sources of flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin and resveratrol. Add to that vitamins C, E and A, phosphorous, zinc and selenium - all these are necessary for better ocular health.
Blueberries can boost heart health.
The fact that blueberries are heavy with fiber and antioxidants it is no longer difficult to believe why it can help strengthen cardiac muscles and fight against heart diseases. These antioxidants help fight against the damaging effects of oxidative stress to prevent cardiovascular diseases. A study published in the American Heart Association revealed that those women who have the habit of eating berries were found to have lowered risks of heart disease for as much as 32 per cent. Its anthocyanins can cause the dilation of arteries and help prevent plaque-build up.
Blueberries promote younger-looking skin.
If you want your skin to look young and prevent it from the adverse effects of aging, look not in your make up case. Try to look into your daily diet and see to it that you are regularly eating blueberries. Its antioxidants help fight off premature aging. In fact, blueberries are classified number one by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in terms of antioxidant activity. Its vitamin C content alone can already provide huge benefits to skin health as it hydrates the skin and improve the levels of collagen and elastin. So, throw in a handful of blueberries into your morning cereal and yogurt.
Blueberries can stave off signs of anxiety and depression.
The National Institute of Health revealed that these anthocyanins in blueberries are helpful for inhibiting key enzymes that may lead to the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Blueberries contain natural sugar that that does not cause any "spikes" which may lead to anxiety and stress. Another reason why blueberries are helpful for fighting against anxiety and depression is that it contains vitamin C that helps lower the levels of stress hormones known as cortisol.
These are just few of the many benefits of eating blueberries. Continue to eat more of these including its cousins such as strawberries and raspberries so that your body will be strong enough against any diseases. When you eat more of fresh fruits, your body will be more capable of fighting against the adverse effects of stress, depression and anxiety. Not to mention the fact that these fruits also play a major role in helping you achieve optimal health.
Ryan Rivera loves to write articles that help his readers learn about foods that help fight off depression and anxiety. You may check out his Calm Clinic Twitter account for more information.
