Why Are Blueberries Good For You?
Blueberries – The small round berry that grows on a bush and is no larger than the average marble. Eat them individually or by the handful. They’re sweet, packed with nutrients, and can be eaten in many different ways, but do you know how beneficial these little berries can be for your overall health?
The blueberry is a “superfood” that is certainly worthy of the title. Here are some of the reasons why blueberries are good for your overall health:
Small, But Packed With Nutrients
Yes, a blueberry is small in size, however, blueberries are packed with valuable nutrients such as:
- Vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Copper
- Carbohydrates
- Folate
Who would have thought that such a tiny berry contains all these valuable nutrients?
A Powerful Antioxidant
The main antioxidant found in blueberries comes from a family of polyphenols antioxidants called flavonoids, similar to the antioxidants and flavonoids found in green tea. Wild blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, which is a flavonoid with high antioxidant capacity.
Blueberries Help Protect Cholesterol in Your Blood
Who would have thought that protecting cholesterol is a good thing? So there are 2 types of cholesterol; low density lipoproteins (LDL), which is considered the “bad” cholesterol, and high density lipoproteins (HDL), which is the “good” cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL can cause various health problems, such as contributing to heart disease and other cardiovascular complications. Oxidation of LDL causes the arteries to become inflamed which may partially or completely restrict the flow of blood. The antioxidants found in blueberries can help to reduce the levels of oxidized LDLs in the blood.
Helps to Lower Blood Pressure
Since blueberries contain flavonoids (polyphenols), these antioxidants help boost the functioning of the blood vessels by increasing nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide production is important for overall health as it relaxes the inner muscles of the blood vessels, causing them to widen and increase the circulation of blood. Nitric oxide production also allows blood, nutrients, and oxygen to travel through the body in an efficient and effective way. Antioxidants also help to reduce hypertension which can lower blood pressure.
Helps to Maintain Brain Function and Improve Memory
Blueberries contain phytonutrients such as anthocyanins and polyphenols (such as resveratrol), which if you have read up to this point, you now know and understand are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries help to lower blood pressure and help improve blood flow to the brain. More oxygen to your brain leads to improved brain function. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits also help to protect brain cells from damage.
Helps to Reduce Muscle Damage and Improve Muscle Recovery
Blueberries offer important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are needed by your body following any extensive exercise. Blueberries also help to improve the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the muscles which leads to faster muscle tissue repair and a shorter recovery time.
Helps to Fight Urinary Tract Infections
Since blueberries contain anthocyanins, these flavonoids act as anti-adhesives and help to prevent harmful bacteria from binding to the walls or your bladder and urinary tract. Vitamin C also helps to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.