There is a lot of power in this
little fruit!
It's been said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did
you know that other fruits can help you avoid not only the doctor but also
certain diseases? One of them happens to be blueberries. Blueberries are
delicious in pancakes and oatmeal, but they also reduce the risk of illness.
According to a University of Surrey study, blueberry eating is
linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death
in the United States. So, while some meals may claim to be heart-healthy,
blueberries are beneficial to your heart's long-term health.
According to the study, blueberries significantly lower the risk
of cardiovascular diseases due to their high anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins
are colored pigments in food helping fruits and vegetables that are colored
blue, red, or purple take on their color, so they put the blue in blueberries.
In addition to blueberries, most other berries include
anthocyanins, which aid in lessening the risk of cardiovascular disease. Other
anthocyanin-rich foods include red cabbage and eggplant.
Another study published in The Journal of Gerontology: Series A
claims that eating blueberries lowers blood pressure and improves blood vessel
function.
According to the study, after drinking a wild blueberry drink,
individuals reported: "significant improvements" in flow-mediated
dilation or the widening of an artery when blood is moving through it,
suggesting that blueberries make blood travel to and from the heart easier.
"Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants in
multiple studies," says Ronald Smith, RD, of Eat Drink Binge. "These
antioxidants have been linked to anti-cancer capabilities as well as reduced
inflammation in blood vessels."
According to Smith, blueberries have also been shown to improve
adult memory, which can be a side effect of some diseases such as Alzheimer's
Disease. While blueberries may not be proven to fight off Alzheimer's, they can
help you stay sharper with a more efficient memory.
Furthermore, University of Georgia researchers discovered that the
blue-causing polyphenols in blueberries could lower the risk of colon cancer in
persons who consume them regularly.
Sure, a blue ocean or lake is lovely, and blue is an excellent color for clothing and accessories, but who knew the color blue could be so beneficial for health?