Blueberries boost health with antioxidants

Berries of any kind are favorites. Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits, especially as you age.

Besides tasting yummy, blueberries contain several substances that are abundant in health benefits. One cup of blueberries contains 14% of the recommended amount of fiber. Blueberries are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are very low in fat and sodium.

Compared to nearly 40 other fruits and vegetables, blueberries rank among the highest in disease-fighting antioxidants. The same amount of blueberries has five times more antioxidant power than favorite fruits like apples and bananas.

Inflammation in the body doesn't just affect your joints. In fact, depression and heart disease, as well as several autoimmune diseases, are associated with inflammation in the body. The rich antioxidants found in blueberries, such as manganese, can help your body repair and reduce inflammation.

Antioxidants support the immune system, so consistently eating blueberries may help your body fight off illness. Consistent consumption of blueberries may help your body slow the aging process and help your cells normally regenerate, preserving their youthful function. In short, a regular intake of blueberries could prevent wrinkles.

Many people swear cranberry juice helps to reduce the symptoms and prevent urinary tract infections. Many of the same compounds found in cranberries also are found in blueberries. Studies reveal blueberries and blueberry juice work as well as cranberry juice in preventing urinary tract infections. A daily 4-ounce glass of blueberry juice or cranberry juice, along with 8-10 cups of water, is recommended.

As your brain ages, memory, learning and general function begin to decline. The anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries also may help thought and memory by encouraging better blood flow to the brain. Antioxidants found in blueberries can help reduce stress on the brain. Blueberries can help retain your brain function and may even improve memory.

Recent research featured at least 1 cup of blueberries a day for four weeks. The conclusion revealed a reduction in brain damage following a stroke. Blueberries out of season are expensive, but if they could reduce the crippling effects of a stroke, the price would be justified. People with a high risk of stroke should consider adding blueberries daily. Pancakes with fake blueberries do not count.

The nutrients found in blueberries also help keep your natural gut bacteria flourishing and healthy. Blueberries often help improve insulin sensitivity, which assists with maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. People managing type-two diabetes through proper diet and exercise find it easier to balance their blood sugar by adding blueberries to their diet. Improved insulin sensitivity can help with prediabetes.

These delicious orbs of nutrients contain oxalates, which are not a concern for most people. However, those with a history of or predisposition for kidney stones may not want to eat more than a cup a day.

Blueberries abound in benefits. My favorite way to eat blueberries is to put them on a peanut butter sandwich. It’s healthier and yummier than any jelly. All fruits and vegetables are good for the body; some are better than others.

Bobbie Randall can be reached at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.