7 Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries belong to the family Vaccinium. It is a small, sweet and nutrient-dense blue fruits that have been found to contain numerous health and nutritional benefits. This fruit has gained so much popularity due to its sweet taste that many people considered it as their favorite while many labeled it a “superfood”. They are low in calories and offer many health benefits including promoting weight loss and rejuvenates the skin. They are rich in vitamins C and K, manganese, and other antioxidants which have further broaden the scope of its nutritional benefits.

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Below are also a few other health benefits blueberries offer:

#1: Blueberries Helps Lower Blood Pressure

Regular consumption of blueberry has proven to help lower blood pressure on many occasions. In a study, obese individuals having a high risk for heart diseases noticed a 4%-6% decline in their blood pressure level after regular intake of blueberries for eight weeks. Blueberries also reduce the possibilities of heart attacks and strokes by keeping blood pressure in check.

#2: It Helps Maintain A Healthy Skin

Blueberries contributes to maintaining a healthy skin as they are great sources of vitamin C. Collagen, which serves as the support system of the skin, depends on vitamin C as a nutrient. The vitamin C present in blueberries promotes collagen’s capability to help smoothen wrinkles and protect the skin from excess sun and pollution.

#3: It Helps Prevent Diabetes by Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

Blueberries are moderate in sugar content compared to other fruits. They help the body in processing glucose, managing blood sugar and keeping insulin sensitivity in a healthy balance. Blueberry has been found to be also helpful in lowering blood sugar content of people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

#4: Help maintain a Healthy Bone

Blueberries are rich in minerals like iron, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, calcium, magnesium and even vitamin k. All which are essential to the development and maintenance of healthy bones. Regular consumption of blueberry provides the body with enough vitamin k for the bones which in turn, significantly reduces the risk of bone fractures.

#5: Helps Improve Digestion

Blueberries have not only been found contain soluble and insoluble fiber, they also help support digestion by altering the gut microbiota in favor of the ‘good members’, especially the members of the phylum Actinobacteria. The fruit also has some probiotic potentials that make it a helpful hand for a balanced gut system.

#6: Promotes Heart Health

The absence of cholesterol in blueberries is of great importance to the heart. The fiber content in them assists in reducing the total cholesterol level in the blood and in turn, decreases risk of incurring heart diseases. They also possess folate, vitamin B which all contributes to heart health.

#7: Promotes Mental Health

In a study, it was observed that individuals who suffered from short term memory and memory loss were found to record mental improvement upon regular dosage of blueberries. Blueberries reduce risk of cognitive damage and curbs oxidative stress which have negative effects on the brain.

Although blueberries are sweet and nutritious and even has various medicinal applications, one should be cautious of the amount consumed in order to avoid over dosage leading to adverse effects on the health.