Wondering what the hype behind blueberries is all about? Well, they’re categorized as a superfood for many reasons. Blueberries aren’t just a delicious snack but they also have very many health benefits most people don’t know about. These tiny seasonal delights have beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Zinc, Magnesium, and Calcium that can prove great for your body’s overall health. Their nutritional value coupled with their sweet flavour has made them a go to ingredient in many healthy snacks such as smoothies and cakes. Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits that come with blueberries.
Provide Healthy Antioxidants
There are no other fresh fruits out there that boast higher antioxidant levels than blueberries. The body uses antioxidants for very many things, including boosting the immune system. The antioxidants found in blueberries, including Vitamin C, anthocyanin, iron and copper, help prevent bacterial and viral health complications by amplifying your immunity.
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Help with Digestion
Taking a cup of blueberries will provide your body with about 14% of the fibre you’re recommended to take daily. This fibre intake can help prevent constipation and promote digestive regularity. Fibre is also what allows you to feel full and satisfied after you’ve eaten this fruit. This is, in fact, another benefit of its own because it can help you limit your impulse eating.
Promote Healthy Bones
Another great thing about blueberries is that it helps promote healthy bones. Blueberries have iron, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin K and zinc, which are all nutrients that help maintain bone structure and strengthen the bones. You’re more prone to bone fracture when you have low levels of Vitamin K in your system.
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Healthy Skin
Your skin’s support system, collagen, relies on Vitamin C so that it can prevent damage to the skin caused by things like pollution, dust, smoke and UV rays. Blueberries are filled with these particular nutrients, among others, with one cup giving you about 24% of the dose your recommended daily intake.
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Improves Blood Pressure
Several studies have found that including blueberries in your diet can help reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the things that can lead to heart attacks or heart disease. This means that taking more blueberries could end up significantly reducing the risk of heart disease.
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Boosts Brain Functionality
Another beneficial thing about antioxidants is that they can counteract the stresses that help accelerate the ageing process of your brain. In fact, this is one of the most commonly known benefits of blueberries. The antioxidants found in blueberries often gather in the parts of your brain that are linked with intelligence. Meaning blueberries can help improve overall cognitive functions as well as enhance memory.
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Improves Cholesterol Levels
Blueberries can also help reduce your body’s LDL cholesterol levels. LDL is the bad kind of cholesterol. This is the kind that can clog up arteries. A compound known as phytosterols found in blueberries is the compound responsible for helping lower the body’s LDL levels. Taking in about two grams of this compound can help reduce LDL levels in adults by 8% to 10%. Foods To Improve And Lower Cholesterol Levels
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