BLUEBERRIES : The Super Fruit

 

Blueberries are often known as the antioxidant super fruit due to its high concentration of antioxidants. They are a rich source of phytonutrients, and they contain a significant amount of the antioxidant anthocyanadins that possess great nutritional value. The benefit of eating 2 cups of blueberries every day exceeds the benefits of all other types of berries combined.

How to Eat Blueberries

Although blueberries make an enticing addition to your muffins and cakes, the best way to take advantage of their nutritional benefits is by eating a cup of fresh blueberries every morning. This can be done by adding them to your cereal, yogurt or just as they are with a little crème fraiche on top.

Prior to eating blueberries, ensure that they are washed briefly to prevent removal of the protective ashen layer of the berry. While, organic blueberries are free from production chemicals, it’s best to give them a rinse as well because of handling during transit and stocking. If berries are frozen, they will take a few more minutes to cook and will sweat more, adding liquid to your dish (take this into account with other ingredients).

Blueberries and Anti-Aging

The antioxidants in blueberries come to your rescue, preventing early aging and protecting you against diseases like cancer and chronic heart disease. The antioxidants prevent cell damage by neutralizing the radicals and helping keep diseases at bay. Blueberries also prevent inflammation that is a known cause of aging diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and brain aging.

Blueberries and Brain Health

Blueberries are natural brain food and can help in reversing short-term memory loss and other symptoms associated with aging. The antioxidants help with motor skills. Research on animals proved this when improvements in learning capacity and motor skills were observed in aging animals who were fed a blueberry and, thus antioxidant-rich diet.

Blueberries and Eyesight

Along with carrots, blueberries provide an excellent source of vitamin A. Blueberries are known to prevent vision loss due to aging. In fact, the British Air Force during World War 2 claimed to eat blueberries to enhance night vision and quicker adjustment to darkness.

Blueberries and Cancer

Along with anthocyanins, blueberries also contain other antioxidants like proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, flavonols and tannins that help prevent growth of cancer cells. Lab studies have found the benefits of blueberries include preventing colon cancer and ovarian cancer. They also claim inhibition chances to be as high as 50%. Blueberries should find special place in a woman’s diet, which makes a major difference in preventing ovarian cancer, the most common form of cancer in women.

A bowl of blueberries can give almost five times more benefits than a bowl of apple wedges. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables is a healthy way to manage weight, control diabetes and prevent cancer. Packed with antioxidants and a low calorie count, blueberries are nutrient-rich choice for a healthier life.

(Source > http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/blueberries-the-antioxidant-super-fruit.html  )