Considered by many a super food, blueberries are purported to have amazing beneficial properties that may prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, or improve vision.
Blueberries are delicious and juicy, and according to the USDA ,have only about 80 calories per cup. They are not only wonderful as dessert or snack, but also packed with amazing nutrients and beneficial properties which makes them nature’s drug gift for us.
Blueberries are said to protect against a variety of diseases, and also good for your diet. These awesome fruits are mouth-watering and appetizing natural drug.
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Blueberries Prevent Many Diseases
A blueberry, or a cup of blueberries, a day seems to keep the doctor away. Why burden your body with drugs when nature has given you its bountiful offerings that help you stay healthy?
Studies show that blueberries are amongst the richest sources of antioxidants, and help prevent cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and memory loss. According to the USDA database of selected foods blueberries are high in vitamins C and E, and an excellent source of manganese. Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber, too.
Help Protect From Alzheimer’s, Fight Memory Loss
Jean Carper, a health journalist who wrote the book 100 Simple Things You Can Do To Prevent Alzheimer’s, cited in a PBS interview a study by the Vanderbilt University which shows that blueberries spur the growth and birth of brain cells. So it is not only blueberries’ richness in antioxidants that makes them good for your health.
May Help Prevent Colon Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute there is considerable evidence from chemical, cell culture, and animal studies demonstrating that antioxidants could slow or prevent cancer development. There are three large-scale clinical trials that continue to investigate the effect of antioxidants on cancer.
A study by researchers from the State University of New Jersey concentrated on a compound called pterostilbene that is found in blueberries, cranberries and grapes. The study showed that adding pterostilbene to the diet reduced formation of precancerous colon growths in the rats tested. Even though it is still too early to count on berries to prevent colon cancer, researchers said their study points out the need for more blueberries in our diet.
Cardiovascular Disease
Because of blueberries’ high polyphenol content, they have shown substantial cardio-protective benefits. Studies are under way to investigate their efficacy in improving cardiovascular disease risk factors. So far results show that blueberries may improve metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular risks at dietary achievable doses.
While scientists attempt to prove all the benefits blueberries carry for our health, it will be wise to include these yummy fruits into our diet every day.
Even if we are not certain that they cure colon cancer or Alzheimer’s, at least they seem to help prevent a lot of malicious diseases drugs fight. Last but not lease, blueberries have wonderful flavor, and much more fun to eat than any drug out there. So go ahead and indulge your taste buds while at the same time helping your body stay healthy and balanced.
