Blueberries – A True Super Food
It might be hard to believe, but those tiny blue berries are a true superfood. Aside from just being a tasty snack, researchers have found these sweet treats provide numerous health benefits.
Blueberries contain high levels of naturally occurring antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals and from certain chronic diseases that tend to develop as people age. Blueberries have high amounts of the antioxidants Vitamin C and E. A one-cup serving contains 14mg of Vitamin C and 0.8mg of Vitamin E. In addition to vitamin C and E, phenolics and anthocyanins are found in blueberries. These two components also work as antioxidants providing even more health benefits. The unique make up of this fruit allows it to be one of the highest producers of naturally occurring antioxidants.
Researchers have discovered blueberries offer many anti-aging benefits. Laboratory studies have shown that mice and rats that were fed a diet containing blueberries had fewer occurrences of age related mental cognition loss. The test subjects also faired higher on motor skills tests than their equivalents that did not receive any blueberries in their diets. The anthocyanins that are found in blueberries, and give them their color, promote neuron production, reduce inflammation, and have been shown to subdue large amounts of free radicals. Studies have shown that people who consume just one cup of blueberries per day performed five to six percent better on mental and motor skills tests.
The other antioxidant properties found in blueberries also provide several health benefits. These antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of infection by strengthening cells and preventing bacteria from being able to adhere to cell walls. This is especially true in the urinary tract. People who ate blueberries on a daily basis had healthier overall urinary tracts, fewer urinary tract infections, and less inflammation.
This little berry truly is a superfood. In addition to its antioxidant properties, just a one-cup serving contains fourteen percent of the recommended daily allowance of fiber, is low in fat, low in sodium, contains beneficial flavonoids, and several vitamins and minerals.
Whether blended into a smoothie, added to a salad, sprinkled on cereal, cooked in muffins or pancakes, or even eaten straight out of the fridge, the versatility of these powerful berries makes them extremely easy to incorporate into any daily diet. Why not pick some up and starting eating your way to better health today.
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