Blueberry Benefits 8 Major Blueberry Benefits Blueberries offer a lot of benefits to the body especially when they are eaten fresh. They have a lot of nutrients, sweet taste and they can be incorporated a number of recipes. Blueberry benefits mostly occur because of its ingredients such as flavonoid, anthocyanins and others. This article provides some of the blueberry benefits you get by eating them in any form. Maintain healthy bones Blueberries contain ingredients such as zinc, calcium, iron, manganese and vitamin K. These ingredients contribute to maintaining and building of strong bone structure. Zinc and iron help maintain the elasticity and strength of joints and bones. Studies have shown that low intake of vitamin K is a major cause of bone fracture among many people. Vitamin K enhances absorption of calcium and minimize it’s lose, thus helping you have strong bones. Lower blood pressure Among the many blueberry benefits is that it helps to lower blood pressure. They do not have any sodium and contain magnesium, calcium and potassium. These ingredients have the ability to reduce blood pressure in a natural way. Manage diabetes Research has shown that those who consume diet with high fiber have lower blood glucose. This means that if you are diabetic, you need to eat more blueberries in order to have improved blood sugar, insulin levels and lipids. Prevent heart disease The potassium, fiber, vitamin C, folate and vitamin B6 together with its lack of cholesterol enhance the health of your heart. The fiber content helps lower the amount of cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Folate and vitamin B6 prevent the accumulation of a compound known as homocysteine in the body. Accumulation of this compound might lead to damage of the blood vessels leading to heart problems. Regular consumption of anthocyanins which is a major ingredient in blueberry lowers the risks of heart attack. Control cancer Vitamin A and C and several phytonutrients contained in blueberries act as strong antioxidants that protect body cells against free radical damage. They prevent tumor growth, reduce inflammation in the body and help control different types of cancers such as lung, mouth, pancreatic, colon, prostate and other cancers. Blueberry benefits are also enhanced by presence of folate which helps in DNA repair and synthesis. This helps prevent the development of cancer cells as a result of DNA mutations. Enhance mental health Several studies have shown that eating blueberries help in reduction of cognitive decline and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, blueberries help minimize the risk of having short term memory that affect many people. Promote digestion Due to the high level fiber content, blueberry helps in reduction of risks of constipation and promotes a healthy digestive system. Helps in weight loss Blueberry benefits also include promotion of weight loss and management by acting as an agent that boost digestion. In addition, its fiber content helps reduce appetite making you feel fuller for a longer period of time. This goes a long way in helping lower your calorie intake especially if your weight problem is as a result of overeating.
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