Blueberries ... Berry, berry good for you!
They say good things come in small packages and this is certainly the case with blueberries due to their significant antioxidant content. Who would have thought one little fruit could be so good for you? And so tasty?
Just a handful of blueberries each day will bring positive health benefits. Half a cup of blueberries contains the same amount of antioxidants as 2 ½ cups of spinach. Blueberries’ antioxidant-rich juices contain anthocyanins and phenolics, along with cancer-protective vitamins C and E which minimise the damaging effects of free radicals which are associated with cancer, particularly ovarian and colon.
Blueberries are great for heart health and help protect against coronary heart disease and stroke. They are 38% more cardio protective than red wine and they help to reduce cholesterol, improve the elasticity of artery walls and increase capillary strength. Add to this the fact that blueberries are low in sugar, high in phytonutrients and contain myrtillin and pterostilebene, which can lower excess blood sugar to help reduce the risk of diabetes and you’ll be wanting to make sure you’re including them in your diet.
Blueberries are good for your brain too with a handful a day helpful for improving memory and the antioxidants helping to prevent the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia and age-related memory loss. Blueberries’ signature blue skin contains high levels of anthocyanin that has been linked to a reduction in eyestrain, improved night vision and an improved ability for the eye to adjust to glare and changes in lighting.
Finally, if you are concerned about maintaining your youthful good looks, you’ll be pleased to hear that blueberries are considered one of nature’s most powerful elixirs of youth. The antioxidants and nutrients in blueberries help to prevent sun damage and so reduce the onset of wrinkles, slowing the ageing process.
