8 Surprising Benefits You Get When You Eat Blueberries
As with other wild fruits, blueberries stand out for their high antioxidant content, but also for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties
Blueberries, also known as blueberry, are small fruits that come from a wild shrub of the genus Vaccinium , of which 400 other species are distinguished.
They are originally from North America and, in fact, the United States is listed as their largest producer and consumer.
They stand out for their particular flavor, used in gastronomy for the preparation of jellies, cakes, wines and many other recipes.
On the other hand, they have been valued for their high content of essential nutrients that, when ingested regularly, confer many benefits to the body.
In fact, despite its tiny size, it is one of the foods with the highest content of antioxidant compounds, necessary to prevent and slow down the degeneration caused by free radicals.
In addition, due to their contribution of vitamins and minerals, they also favor the prevention and treatment of many diseases.
Considering that many still do not know its benefits, below we want to highlight in detail the 8 best ones.
Benefits of blueberries
1. Anti-cancer properties
The powerful antioxidants in blueberries have been linked to a decreased risk of developing various types of cancers.
These substances protect cells against damage caused by free radicals and environmental toxins. This is key to preventing tumor growth.
They have an interesting amount of folic acid. This nutrient helps repair and synthesize DNA, in addition to preventing malignant cell mutation.
2. Strengthening bones and teeth
The essential minerals that these small fruits contain are useful to protect bone density and the health of teeth.
Eating them regularly helps prevent osteoporosis and infections that affect dental health.
In fact, they are recommended to improve the absorption process of calcium and vitamin D, since they contain:
- Minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese)
- Vitamin K
3. Heart health protection
As we have just seen, blueberries contain significant amounts of potassium and magnesium. These two minerals help regulate inflammatory processes in the body to reduce heart risk.
These nutrients balance tissue fluids and reduce the risk of conditions such as hypertension and heart attack.
4. Prevention of diabetes
People with uncontrolled blood glucose levels or at risk of diabetes can find a great ally in these fruits.
They contain fiber and antioxidant substances that, after being absorbed, lower sugar levels. In this way, they facilitate the metabolic processes that are responsible for using it as an energy source.
5. Memory improvement
It has been proven that there is an interesting relationship between regular consumption of blueberries and good memory function.
Everything indicates that its antioxidant compounds minimize oxidative stress and reduce cell damage that generates cognitive difficulties.
These compounds, added to its vitamins and minerals:
- exert control over the nervous system
- improve brain activity
- decrease the risk of dementia.
6. Combat urinary infections
Due to its alkaline power and its high content of antibacterial compounds, natural blueberry juice is useful for preventing and treating urinary tract infections.
Its ingestion alters the environment that microorganisms need to proliferate. In addition, they have an anti-inflammatory effect that calms pain.
It is recommended to increase urine production and improve the processes that are responsible for eliminating waste from the kidneys.
7. Protection of visual health
These fruits contain carotenoids and significant amounts of vitamin E, both necessary to improve visual ability and prevent the development of eye conditions.
Its powerful antioxidant effect protects the retina and the macula. Thus, it reduces the chances of developing diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
It is even a natural remedy for mild visual problems, such as redness and dryness caused by stress.
8. Prevention of premature aging
Consuming this fruit regularly has interesting benefits in the prevention of premature aging internally and externally.
Its antioxidant substances:
- decrease the risk of chronic diseases derived from excess inflammation
- slow down cell damage that accelerates skin breakdown.
Both the fruits and the natural juice can complement the habits to avoid wrinkles and blemishes associated with age.
They are enough reasons to eat them, don’t you think? Go ahead and buy them in the market and enjoy their delicious flavor while filling your body with the best quality nutrients.
