Our dietary habits can directly affect our physical wellbeing. Among all fruits, blueberries have shown substantial health benefits because they contain the highest polyphenolic content, particularly anthocyanins, which are responsible for the blue, indigo colour of the berry. Blueberries are called “superfoods” due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, blueberries contain the lowest amount of sugar among all fruits, and they are extremely rich in fibres, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Manganese.
At our healthy cafe, our gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free chocolate and blueberry cookies are the perfect pick-me-ups and taste divine with a cup of our specialty coffee.
In this article, we will highlight five proven health benefits of blueberries.
Improves cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular disease is a general term for disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. Dietary habits can influence a variety of cardiovascular complications. Blueberries benefit heart health via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Higher intakes of blueberries, strawberries, and total anthocyanins can help lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease and heart attack due to significantly reducing oxidized LDL, arterial stiffness, and hypertension. In addition, obesity is considered one of the major risk factors for heart disease. It is reported that consumption of blueberries, compared to intakes of other common fruits, was associated with the least weight gain.
Lower the risk of having type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
T2DM is characterised by a poor response to insulin stimulation (i.e., insulin resistance). In this condition, your body cannot use insulin effectively to bring glucose into the cells leading to unstable blood sugar. Of all the fruits, blueberries are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes risk reduction.
Since blueberries contain a very low amount of sugar and have a low glycemic index, they may help improve insulin sensitivity which is important in stabilizing blood sugar.
Improve skin health
Blueberries are extremely rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, an essential nutrient that can help prevent skin damage caused by sun and pollution. In addition, vitamin C can improve collagen’s ability to enhance overall skin texture.
Neuroprotection and Cognition benefits
Studies have found that the greater consumption of blueberries can slow the rate of cognitive decline in older adults, along with many other age-related diseases. Blueberries can also improve a person’s short-term memory and motor coordination and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Maintain vision and eye health
Research suggests the higher blueberries intake was associated with a reduced risk of cataracts. In a study of >35,000 women, there was a significant association between blueberry intake and a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration. This is due to the improvement of blood and oxygen flow to the eyes and the antioxidant protection of anthocyanins.
In addition, Strenuous exercise always generates oxidative stress and an inflammatory state in our body; blueberries with their high content of anthocyanins, work as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
