Blueberries are one of the most popular fruits in the berry family. The fruit has a deep purplish-blue color. Other varieties have a maroon or violet color. The fruit has a light gray wax-like protective cover. Tiny seeds are found inside the fruit pulp. It is a sweet fruit with a slightly tangy taste. The berries are often used in muffins boost nutritional content. Often described as a “superfruit”, blueberries are packed with vitamins C, E and K. The fruit is also a good source of dietary fiber and manganese. The “superfruit” assures you of several health benefits.
Enhance Vision
Blueberries help to improve night vision. This is due to the high amounts of vitamins A, C and E the fruit contains. These nutrients support swift adjustment to darkness after exposure to glare as well as quicker restoration of vision sharpness. The berries can help to prevent age-related vision problems. They make an excellent choice of fruit for elderly people who wish to maintain healthy vision. Half a cup of the fruit every day along with other fruit can go a long way in enhancing vision.
Improve Mental Health
If you want to improve the health and performance of your brain, blueberries can help. They protect the brain from oxidative stress, which lowers the brain's capacity to perform. Studies have established that the fruit can help reduce the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Regular consumption of blueberries can boost the cognitive skills and learning capacity of children.
Protection against Cancer
Certain phytonutrients in blueberries help to hinder the proliferation of cancer cells in cases of colon cancer. These compounds also initiate the death of cancerous cells. The fruit is rich in the soluble fiber pectin, which helps to prevent colon cancer. Research has also established that a special flavonoid in the berries known as kaempferol helps to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. The fruit also contains ellagic acid, a phytochemical that has anti-cancer properties. It has proven helpful in the fight against breast cancer. Blueberries are a good source of vitamin K, which plays a role in prevention of liver and prostrate cancer. This makes the fruit a valuable aid in cancer treatment and prevention.
Antioxidant Properties
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. Some of these, such as pterostilbene, help to reduce cholesterol in the bloodstream. Pterostilbene has also been established as an effective anti-diabetic agent. Other benefits of this antioxidant extend to supporting heart health, enhancing memory, and cancer prevention. The rich antioxidant content in blueberries gives them a high capacity to fight free radicals.
Improve Elimination
The berries can help to improve digestion. They also promote healthier bowel activity. This is due to the good content of soluble fiber, insoluble fiber and tannins in the berries. Tannins are compounds that occur in plants. They protect the plant from various microorganisms and help to regulate growth in plants. Once ingested, they serve as astringents during digestive activities and facilitate proper digestion. Certain antioxidants in the fruit also help to eliminate bacterial growth in the urinary tract. This helps to reduce infection and improves urinary tract health.
