Eight Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries are surprisingly not very popular among people trying to lose weight and those trying to keep healthy in general. They are full of delicious flavors and have lots of nutrients in them. Not only that but they do not contain many calories either. Here are 8  health benefits of blueberries.

This may be something that you do not know, but researchers tested around 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant powers and blueberries actually came out on top. Surprised? 

As for the health benefits of blueberries, here they are:

1. Blueberries Are Antioxidants

Blueberries contain important antioxidants called anthocyanidins. These help damaged cells and tissues that can cause things like cataracts, varicose veins, glaucoma, peptic ulcers, haemorrhoid’s, heart disease and even cancer.

You can see the anthocyanidins on the blueberry as they are the different pigments that can be easily seen when looking at one.

Blueberries can also improve the efficiency of vitamin C in our bodies, by strengthening the support structures within us.

2. Blueberries Can Protect Your Heart

It has been known for a while now that wine, especially red wine, is good for your heart because it contains anthocyanins. However scientists and health professionals alike now say that blueberries are around 35-40% better for your heart than wine.

3. They Can Help Protect Against Vision Loss In The Elderly

As we get older things may start to wear down in our bodies, and important functions stop working. One of the most common of these to go is your eyesight due to Age Related Macular Degeneration. By eating three portions of fruit per day it is estimated that you can reduce your risk of losing your eyesight by up to 36%. If one of these portions of fruit happens to be blueberries then as we have already found out, the antioxidants in blueberries help damaged cells that cause glaucoma and cataracts. So your chances reduce further still.

4. Blueberries Can Help You To See In The Dark

And you thought carrots helped you to see in the dark? Didn’t we all! Blueberries apparently help you to adjust more quickly to the dark and after glaring at something. Sounds interesting.

5. Reduce The Effects Of Alzheimers & Dementia

Alzheimers and Dementia are both nasty illnesses that effect a persons brain. By eating blueberries, you will help protect your brain from the stress that can effect the motor skills. This in turn reduces the effects of Alzheimers and Dementia.

6. Reduce Your Chance Of Getting Colon Cancer

Lots of research has been done on this and there have been many theories, often complicated ones. The basic answer is that blueberries are meant to reduce your chance of getting colon cancer. If you eat them anyway, you now know you may be protecting yourself against them.

7. Improve Your Gastrointestinal System

Blueberries also contain another antioxidant called ellagic acid. These can block certain metabolic transfers that have been linked to cancer. By eating blueberries you are three times less likely to have cancer. They also reduce cholesterol because they contain pectin.

8. Can Help To Lose Belly Fat

Finally, many people will be pleased to hear that eating blueberries can actually help you to reduce or lose belly fat. Interesting?

Blueberries do have a fantastic taste, especially if you know where to pick them from, and what’s more is that they have health benefits that will help protect you against some of the worst illnesses.

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