By: Marina Biljak |
Blueberries protect against dementia and preserve vision |
|
Blueberry is a perennial shrub native to North America, where even today most of the berries are grown.
Fresh and ripe fruits are mostly purple, and sometimes can be darker, almost black.
Blueberries are a real superfood: full of nutrients and bring numerous health benefits, as well as being low in calories.
The health benefits of blueberries
Blueberries contain a diverse range of nutrients and are the richest in manganese, vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber.
They are rich in potassium, calcium and phosphorus, and are even more important because of their phytonutrient content.
Blueberries have a significant amount of pectin, which lowers cholesterol, and anthocyanins - one of the most powerful antioxidants.
It gives a blue, purple and red fruits and vegetables, and also considered to reduce the risk of inflammation and cancer.
The fruits are not the only part of blueberries that is beneficial for health. Specifically, blueberries leaves have numerous medicinal properties recognized in folk medicine.
Leaves are used for making tea that helps with many conditions such as diarrhea, inflammation of the mouth and throat, as well as diabetes.
Also, the tea can boost hair growth, if it is regularly rubbed into the scalp.
Like other berries, blueberries have a low glycemic index.
Recent research has shown that they have a good effect on the regulation of blood sugar in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Regular consumption of blueberries has a beneficial effect on blood pressure of men and women, regardless of age.
In studies, patients with high blood pressure significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by eating blueberries.
Protect the retina
The retina of the eye suffers a high risk of oxidative damage, but blueberries also help in this regard.
Anthocyanins in blueberries protect the retina from oxidative stress and negative effects of solar radiation.
Studies confirm the role of anthocyanins in the treatment of low vision and decreased vision.
Anthocyanins act on the capillaries in the retina so that they enhance the function and also prevent the degeneration of yellow spots.
Keep the youth of the brain
Perhaps the most important research on blueberries found that they could become an important ally in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
The study included the elderly, mean age of 76 years. Twelve weeks of consuming blueberries was sufficient to improve performance on tests of cognitive function.
The study's authors are convinced that blueberries are not only useful for improving memory.
They delay the start of other cognitive problems associated with aging and may be of great importance in Alzheimer's disease.
The benefits of blueberries:
- lower cholesterol levels
- help with type 2 diabetes
- reduce high blood pressure
- improve memory and other cognitive functions
- prevent urinary tape
- soothe menstrual problems
- improve hair growth
- protect the health of the eye
Consuming and storing blueberries
Like other fruits, fresh blueberries tend to have the best taste and the highest nutritional benefit.
In the markets you can buy them fresh, and frozen blueberries are available in shops all year round.
When purchasing fresh blueberries, choose those that have vivid and uniform color.
Shake the container in which they are kept - if the berries are not moving freely, it may mean that they are soft, damaged or moldy.
When buying frozen blueberries, gently shake the bag to make sure that the berries are not stuck together.
This might suggest that they were defrosted and refrozen.
Before storing blueberries in the refrigerator, remove all crushed and moldy berries to prevent the rest of the berries from rooting.
Do not wash them immediately, but only just before eating. Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You can eat them fresh, or use them for making juices, jams, cakes and ice cream.
Try blueberries mixed in a shake or a fruit salad. Or add them to cereal you eat for the breakfast.
Liked the article?
Share it with your friends!
