The Power of the Blueberry

Blueberries can help you live longer!  Recent research has uncovered some remarkable properties of blueberries.  Not only do they enhance longevity they are also effective in helping to increase cognition and memory.

Eating blueberries can improve insulin resistance and improve blood sugar spikes, hypertension and cholesterol related abnormalities.  The properties in blueberries have a direct effect on metabolic syndrome and its negative effects on the human body.

Blueberries can help to counteract most cardiovascular diseases including blood vessel stiffness and lipid problems that consequently reduce the likelihood of blood vessel infarction. This lowers the size and impact of the damaging plak  caused by atherosclerosis.

Blueberries are high in nutrients yet low in calories.  There are two types of blueberries typically grown in the US.  They are low-bush blueberries or “wild” blueberries.  These berries are smaller and higher in nutrients than the more commonly grown high-bush blueberries.

One cup of blueberries has 4 grams of fiber, 36% of the RDA of vitamin K, 24% RDA vitamin C and 25% RDA of manganese.

Blueberries help to reduce DNA damage which assists in combating cancer and helps protect aging cells.

Blueberries help protect from oxidation of LDL lipoproteins consequently protecting blood vessels from damage that contributes to heart disease.

Numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of blueberries helps to lower blood pressure especially in post menopausal women.

Also found in other berries and fruits Anthocyanins in blueberries are the compounds that exhibit a positive effect in moderating blood sugar.  Studies have shown that blueberries may have anti-diabetic effects.

As with cranberries, blueberries have been found to have and anti-adhesive effect which helps to prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall and causing a urinary tract infection.

Blueberries may even reduce damage at the molecular level after intense or strenuous exercise.  This minimizes the soreness and increases muscle recovery.

In addition to being good for you, blueberries are quite versatile. They can be eaten alone as a snack, added to smoothies, mixed in cereal and yogurt, added to salads or they can be used in the traditional pies, muffins and cobblers.