Blueberries – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

06/21/2017 / By Frances Bloomfield

The blueberry is a well-known summertime fruit that has become more famous as a superfood in recent years. The second most-consumed berry in the United States is low in calories yet rich with nutrients. In the United States, there are two common types of blueberries and both are equally healthy. Highbush blueberries are the larger, more widely-grown variety in the country, while “wild” or lowbush blueberries are smaller and more dense with certain antioxidants.

List of known nutrients

Anthocyanins are flavonoids and antioxidant pigments that give the blueberry its hue, and are thought to be responsible for the beneficial health effects of the fruit. These antioxidants protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that weaken cellular structures and put the body at a higher risk of disease. Blueberries have a variety of phytonutrients aside from anthocyanins, and these include:

Anthocyanosides
Bioflavonoids
Glycosides
Proanthocyanidins
Quercetin

The other nutrients found in blueberries are:

Copper
Fiber
Manganese
Potassium
Riboflavin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Medicinal uses for blueberries

If consumed regularly, blueberries can lessen the risk of:

Alzheimer’s disease
Arthritis
Atherosclerosis
Colic
Colitis
Constipation
Cystitis
Diarrhea
Gastroenteritis
High cholesterol
Intestinal infections
Macular degeneration
Raynaud’s disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sore throat
Ulcerative colitis
Urethritis
Urinary tract infections

Blueberries contain very few calories and carbohydrates, and have no known negative effects when eaten in large amounts. Those who want to eat as many blueberries as they want for maximum health benefits are free to do so. Note: the deeper the color of the blueberries, the better they are since these are the blueberries with the most amount of medicinal nutrients.

Body systems supported by blueberries

The antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins in blueberries can benefit:

Brain
Bones
Blood
Digestive system
Eyes
Heart
Immune system
Liver
Nervous system
Skin
Vision

Since blueberries significantly lower the damage done by free radicals, they support these organs and systems at the cellular level. The brain is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress, which in turn accelerates the brain’s aging process and can inhibit brain function; blueberries cam delay the stress brought about by age-related decline and maintain or even improve brain function.

Ways to use blueberries

Apart from doing well in ice creams, smoothies, and other cool summer foods, blueberries can also be added to desserts. Their famously sweet, tangy, tart, and fresh flavor have made blueberries popular to use in pies, cakes, muffins, and cobblers. Blueberries can also be mixed into cocktails or punch bowls for more formal occasions.

It should be noted, however, that blueberries keep their maximum amount of nutrients as fresh fruits, as high temperatures can damage these nutrients. To get the most antioxidants and vitamins out of blueberries, take them as is.

Where to learn more

Summary

Blueberries are 85 percent water, so most of their nutritional benefits is found in the skin.

With their high amounts of antioxidants and antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, blueberries are good for eye health, preventing macular degeneration, eye dryness, and retina infections.

The plant nutrients found in blueberries have imbued them with antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Anti-adhesives in blueberries stop bacteria such as E. coli from clinging to the wall of the bladder, making blueberries effective in the prevention of urinary tract infections.

Blueberries are ideal for diabetic patients because they’re full of fiber, a nutrient essential for improving and regulating blood sugar, lipids, and insulin levels.

Sources include:

AuthorityNutrition.com
MedicalNewsToday.com
WHFoods.com
OrganicFacts.net
BonAppetit.com

Tagged Under: Blueberries

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