5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Blueberries

Love blueberries? You’ll be pleased to know that they occupy the top spot in the list of nutritious berries.These small blue to purple colored berries are rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese that perform vital functions in your body.

- 100 g of blueberries contain 2.4 g of fiber. A high fiber content aids in good digestion.

- 100 g of blueberries contain 9.7 g of vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for maintaining bone health and healing wounds.

- 100 g of blueberries contain 9.3 µg of vitamin K. Vitamin K plays a key role in clotting blood, preventing excessive bleeding.

- 100 g of blueberries contain 0.336 mg of manganese. Manganese is essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism and for brain and nerve function.

These high nutrient values make blueberries so nutritious that they could even be called superfruits. Their goodness doesn’t end here. Read on to know 5 amazing reasons why this wondrous berry could be good for you.

# Reduces Signs Of Aging And May Prevent Cancer

The primary reason blueberries are considered the most nutritious of all berries is their wonderfully high level of antioxidants. Blueberries are abundant in antioxidants called anthocyanins, which protect the body from molecules called free radicals. These free radicals are what damage cells and DNA. So, the lesser the free radicals in the body, the lesser the damage to cells and DNA. This, in turn, means reduced signs of aging and also reduced possibility of serious illnesses like cancer occurring.

# Improves Heart Health

The damage caused by free radicals is not limited to just cells and DNA. Excess free radicals in the body may also result in high levels of LDL, or bad, cholesterol. And high cholesterol is known to be a contributing factor to heart disease. Anthocyanins – the antioxidants in blueberry – have been found to play a role in reducing the bad cholesterol in the body, in turn, reducing the risk of heart disease.

# Boosts Brain Health

The antioxidants present in abundance in blueberries prevent the damage caused by free radicals – called oxidative stress – in the brain. This reduces the rate at which your brain ages, thus delaying age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. So, eat blueberries every day and keep your brain healthy!

# May Reduce Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

Although blueberries do contain a certain amount of sugar, its beneficial bioactive compound levels are so high that they neutralize the effects of the sugar content. This could make eating blueberries beneficial for blood sugar control. The bioactive compounds in blueberries have been found to improve insulin functioning, allowing cells to absorb more glucose and, in turn, possibly lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.

# Aids Digestion

The high fiber content in blueberries helps in smoothly moving the food you eat through the digestive system. Not just that, it also increases the bulk of your stool, allowing for regular stools and easing constipation. So, eat blueberries and keep your digestive system healthy.