Blueberries are native to America. In Early 20th century in New Jersey a daughter of a farmer Elizabeth White was establishing to grow an industry to cultivate blueberry. Blueberries belong to Vaccinium family and found in two well known types “low bush” and “high bush” blueberries. It tastes tangy and sweet and found in dark blue color.
Blueberries contain good amount of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Manganese, Lutein, Gallic acid, fiber etc. Blueberries reduce the risk of Diabetes, Heart diseases, Cancer, Obesity and promoting healthy skin and hair. The largest producer of blueberries is united state, Canada, Poland and Germany.
Here, are some types of blueberries Aurora, Berkeley blueberry, Duke and Jersey Blueberries.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
Health Benefits of Blueberries
Heart health – Blueberries contain fiber, potassium, vitamin C; folate and vitamin B6 all are good for healthy heart. The fiber found in blueberries helps reduce the cholesterol in the blood and lowers the risk of heart diseases.
Folate and vitamin B6 helps to stop the buildup of a compound known as homocysteine. When large amount of homocysteine store in the body, it can damage the blood vessels and lead to heart problems.
Good for bones – Phosphorus, calcium, iron; magnesium, zinc and vitamin K present in bones are helpful for maintaining and building bones structure and strength. Zinc and iron play an important role in maintaining the flexibility and strength of bones.
Lack of vitamin K in body higher the risk of bone fracture.
Cancer protection – Compound like Pterostilbene and Elaggic acid present in blueberries helpful in reduce the risk of colon and liver cancer. Vitamin a, Vitamin c and various pythonutrient present in blueberries work as powerful antioxidant that helps keep up cells against free radical cell. They stop the growth of tumor, reduce inflammation in the body.
Blueberries stop several types of cancer like lung, mouth, prostate, esophagea, colon and pancreatic.
Good for brain health – The selenium, anthocyanin, vitamin C, E, A and B-complex plus, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and sodium can inhibit and heal the neurotic disorder by stopping death and degeneration of neurons.
Blueberries also benefit for serious diseases like Alzheimer’s. Yet, it heals neuron tissue and damage brain cell and keep your memory sharp.
To improve some brain functions like memory, learning skill and motor skills eat 2 cups of blueberries daily.
Aid digestion – Blueberries are high in fiber, and hence benefits for digestive system. Fiber helps in waste management, managing bowel movement and detoxification process. They also prevent constipation, gas and bloating. Plus, they helps fight against inflammation and infection in the gastrointestinal tract.
The vitamins, copper, sodium, fructose and acids correct digestion and gastric related problems.
The nutrition present in blueberries improves digestive system.
Helps fight against aging – The rich amount of antioxidant present in blueberries can delay the aging process by neutralizing free radicals into the body. Blueberries ranked no.1 antioxidant food in the world. Vitamin c work like antioxidant in our body that prevent damage caused by Pollution, sun and smoke. Vitamin c also increases collagen’s ability to skin texture and wrinkles.
Eating one cup of blueberries gives 25% of our daily need for vitamin c.
Also, blueberries are rich in anti-inflammatory that helps control all body cells from aging and keep skin looking young. The can stop the symptom of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and skin dullness.
Manage diabetes – Blueberries are rich source of antioxidant, fibers and vitamins which helps to control blood sugar levels and other problems due to diabetes. Blackberry is low in sugar which makes them a healthy snack for diabetic. Its some properties are benefit for insulin control and sensitivity.
Some studies are shown that people who suffering from type1 diabetes eat high fiber food decrease blood glucose level.
One cup of blueberries gives 3.7 gram of fiber.
Improve vision – Blueberries contain special category of antioxidant called carotenoids (zeaxanthin, lutein etc.), flavonoids (like resveritrol, rutin, quercetin etc.) and other antioxidant like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, phosphors, zinc and selenium, which all are very essential and helpful for ocular health. It can prevent all age related ocular diseases like cataracts, myopia, macular degeneration, hypermetropia, infection and dryness.
Immunity – Blueberries are rich in antioxidant like vitamin C, anthocyanin, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, vitamin A and copper these are very effective antibacterial and immune builder iron, zinc, selenium (improve immunity by raising oxygen and hemoglobin concentration in blood) it can fastly boost immune system and prevent infection.
If your immune system is strong then you won’t catch fever, colds, pox and stops other countless diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.
Low Blood Pressure – Taking low sodium is essential for lowering blood pressure. Blueberries are sodium free and packed with potassium; magnesium and calcium all are helpful for lowering blood pressure naturally.
Urinary Tract Infection – This infection are common problem in women. Eating blueberries can prevent these types of infection. The substance found in blueberries called anti-adhives helps prevent from bacteria like E.coli from urinary bladder.
Blueberries keep you fresh, fit, active, sharp and it is very good antidepressants. So, if you eat blueberries in appropriate amount it will definitely show several health benefits. You don’t need to spend major portion of your earning because it includes various medicinal properties.
Blueberries are low in calorie so, it is perfect snack for any time of day. It can be eaten whole or you can use them in multiple cuisine salad, granolas, fruit salad, cereals and smoothies.