Blueberries don’t just taste delicious, they also have real superpowers. Numerous studies show that these small, blue fruits are among the healthiest and have powerful anti-aging and healing properties.
The flavonoids contained in blueberries inhibit the spread of bacteria and viruses. They improve brain function, are good for the eyes and protect you against urinary tract infections. Blueberries owe their blue color to large amounts of anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments. These plant substances help to neutralize free radicals in cells and prevent chronic diseases as well as inflammation. In addition, they strengthen the immune system.
Diet aid
If you want to lose weight, you should eat these little berries regularly. They are not only low in fat and calories (43 per 100 g), but also help to reduce the waist circumference. The reason – the polyphenols present in blueberries. It has been proven that these antioxidants reduce the formation of new fat cells, writes cosmopolitan.ro.
Tip: to achieve this effect of reducing body weight, it is necessary to eat 200 grams of blueberries daily.
Improved blood circulation
Due to the high potassium content, blueberries are a proven remedy in the fight against water retention in the body (edema) and heavy legs. In addition, they have an oxidative compound, called pterostilbene, capable of reducing the level of bad cholesterol and increasing the good one. This prevents heart diseases and at the same time strengthens the heart muscle.
Good to know: these fruits increase the level of nitric oxide in the body, which supports the elasticity of blood vessels. The potassium in blueberries helps normalize blood pressure and heart rate.
Better vision
In addition to many antioxidants, blueberries also contain numerous carotenoids. As a precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene supports eye function. Blueberries contain valuable carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), flavonoids (rutin, resveratrol, quercetin) and other antioxidants – vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc and phosphorus. All these nutrients have a positive effect on eye health.
Good to know: Blueberries fight age-related eye problems such as macular degeneration, cataracts, nearsightedness, farsightedness, dry eyes and infections.
Prevention of urinary tract infections
In urinary tract infections, certain bacterial colonies, such as E. coli, are deposited on the inner wall of the urinary tract, leading to infection. Blueberries inhibit the development of such bacteria, cleaning the walls of the urinary tract, preventing infection. Long-standing scientific studies have shown that blueberries can effectively inhibit inflammation by reducing the production of inflammatory messengers.
Good to know: a daily consumption of 330 ml of berry juice, during four weeks, reduces the inflammation caused by the presence of pathogenic germs in the urinary tract (urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis).
Ideal for diabetics
Blueberries promote the release of insulin and thus increase the absorption of sugar by muscles and fat cells. Thanks to the hypoglycemic effect, these blue berries become a strong ally for diabetics. In addition, the bioactive ingredients of blueberries increase insulin sensitivity and thus reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes.
Good to know: Among the phytonutrients, anthocyanins in particular seem to play a key role in diabetes. Not only do they give the berries their deep blue color, they also regulate blood sugar levels and stimulate the burning of abdominal fat.
Revival of brain function
Blueberries contain selenium, vitamins A, C, E, from the B complex, zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. They act against the regression and death of nerve cells and help in nervous disorders. Nerve cells are at greater risk of developing free radical damage and therefore require special antioxidant protection. By reducing oxidative stress in nerve cells, optimal cognitive function of nerve cells is maintained.
Good to know: the darker the color of blueberries, the richer they are in antioxidants and other valuable nutrients.
First aid in case of diarrhea or constipation
Fresh blueberries are a proven remedy for constipation. In diarrhea, the dry version of the fruit is effective. Due to their gentle effect, they are also suitable for small children. Blueberry fibers stimulate digestion, acting against constipation. Vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose and acids improve digestion by stimulating the digestive juices and enzymes that move food through the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, blueberries are also effective in case of diarrhea. In babies and toddlers, blueberries help firm up stool and provide important nutrients that strengthen the immune system.
Good to know: A strong immune system protects against colds, fevers, smallpox and other contagious diseases transmitted by bacteria and viruses.
Tags: Blueberries good health
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