What Is Blueberry Good For?

We usually associate the health benefits of  blueberries  with their ability to preserve vision and heal it. But this is not its only quality. Its main wealth is antioxidants. They bind free radicals and thus prevent the formation of malignant tumors, affecting the body at the cellular level. Thus, the fruit proves to be a good tool in the prevention of cancer. The antioxidants in blueberries are called anthocyanins. They are found in radishes, blackberries, apples, red cabbage and dark grapes. But the record for antioxidant content is held by blueberries.

Composition of blueberry

Small fruits are very rich in carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. They contain organic acids, sodium, copper, iron and other minerals and vitamins:

• vitamin K1 - also known as foloquinone, it is mostly associated with blood clotting, but also supports bone health;
• vitamin C - the most famous vitamin, important for the immune system, skin health and a strong antioxidant;
• manganese - helps normal ammonia balance and contributes to carbohydrate metabolism.

Blueberries also contain vitamins B1, B6, PP, pantothenic acid, as well as small amounts of vitamins E, B6 and honey.

Health benefits of eating blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. A study found that increased intake of such foods reduced the risk of heart attack by 32%. Eating small fruits lowers blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol levels - all factors that increase the risk of heart attack.

Daily intake of 50 grams of blueberries for 8 weeks reduces the oxidation of bad cholesterol by 27% in overweight people.

The problem of oxidation of bad cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease, so eating delicious fruits will protect you from more serious problems.

Blueberries lower blood pressure, which is a major factor in heart health. The results of studies lasting 8 weeks, conducted on obese people at risk of heart disease, who take 50 grams of blueberries a day, showed a decrease in blood pressure in study participants by 4-6%.

Oxidative DNA damage is an integral part of our lives. It is estimated that this happens to thousands of cells every day. DNA damage is the reason we age. Of course, blueberries are not a source of youth, but their high content of antioxidants help slow down the process. And cell damage is a major cause of some cancers. Small blue fruits can protect the body from free radicals that damage DNA.

A study of 168 people drinking 1 liter of a mixture of apple and blueberry juice a day for 4 weeks showed a 20% reduction in oxidative DNA damage.

Oxidative stress accelerates the aging process of the brain and negatively affects brain function.
Studies in the elderly have shown that the fetus is associated with improved memory, reducing mental aging to 2.5 years.

Blueberries provide moderate amounts of sugar to the body compared to other fruits. In a glass of 150 grams there is 15 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to a small apple or a large orange. However, the bioactive compounds in blueberries outweigh any negative effects of sugar when it comes to controlling blood sugar.

Studies show that the anthocyanins in blueberries have a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption. Increasing insulin sensitivity reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes - two of the biggest health problems in the world at the moment.

Because they contain high levels of fiber, blueberries are good for the digestive system. This makes them a perfect addition to your weight loss diet. Blueberries are also known to help prevent constipation, flatulence and bloating.

Blueberries contain antioxidants, which are known to fight dangerous free radicals in the body. Therefore, they prevent signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, poor complexion, and sagging skin.

Studies show that blueberries have high levels of vitamin C and honey, as well as phenolic compounds that help prevent various cancers. These compounds, along with phytochemicals, also help stop the growth of cancer cells in the human body.

The high concentration of vitamin C in blueberries stimulates a person's immune system and helps the body fight various diseases.

The lutein in blueberries is a great helper in maintaining eye health. Eating small fruits prevents or delays the onset of age-related eye problems such as myopia, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Cranberry is rich in pectins, which have the ability to cleanse the stomach of decomposition products, slag and even salts of heavy metals.

Regular consumption of the fruit is a good prophylactic to prevent heart disease. Of course, it helps maintain vision and improves visibility in the dark because it strengthens blood vessels in the back of the eye.

It also helps with diseases of the genitourinary system - prevents the appearance of prostate tumors at the cellular level. This is because this fruit slows down the aging process in the human body. Because the plant can be used as a rejuvenating agent, it affects the blood vessels by strengthening them, improving memory, preventing infectious diseases and can even maintain a normal body weight.

Cranberry is a low-calorie fruit, and is very rich in vitamins, minerals (especially vitamin C, potassium and iron). It also contains a lot of cellulose. Characteristically, it retains its properties for a long time in frozen and dried states.

The juice of the fruit is used as a diuretic, also in the treatment of nocturnal urination, for kidney stones. Rinses and gargles with it are made for angina, stomatitis, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

The phytoncides contained in this blueberry are very effective in the treatment of dysentery, staphylococci, diphtheria pathogens, as well as in diseases such as typhoid fever.

Contraindications to the intake of blueberries

Limit the consumption of dried cranberries if the bile ducts are impaired or you suffer from diseases of the pancreas.