Blueberries are a rich source of many bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties, including flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds. Anthocyanin is the major polyphenol in blueberry, which is responsible for its blue color.
Blueberries are high in fiber, which is essential for digestive health. However, consuming too many can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is because the fiber in blueberries is not easily digestible, and excessive consumption can overload the digestive system.
A type of flavonoid called anthocyanin gives blueberries many of their health benefits. Flavonoids are plant compounds that often have a powerful antioxidant effect. Anthocyanin is responsible for the blueberry's characteristic blue color. It also contributes to the numerous advantages of blueberries.
There's no downside to eating blueberries every day because they're so healthy. But Zumpano says you'll get the most benefits from fresh, uncooked organic berries. While delicious, blueberry pancakes or muffins aren't quite as healthy. “Antioxidants can be harmed by heat,” Zumpano explains.
Berries Improve the Memory.
A study conducted with young and old adult participants who ate blueberries, showed an increase of blood flow to key areas of the brain, improvements in memory and attention to required tasks.
1. Blueberries. These violet-hued gems are rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that bolster collagen structure in the retina and provide extra vision protection, notes Johanna Seddon, M.D., an expert on macular degeneration and coauthor of Eat Right for Your Sight.
How many blueberries a day? Blueberries are something that can be enjoyed every day, and two handfuls of blueberries, which is the equivalent of 4 heaped teaspoons, counts towards one of your five-a-day portions. Research has found that eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Moreover, the key behind blueberries' ability for mood booster is the anti-oxidant flavonoid. Blueberries are rich with anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid that gives the dark blue pigment of blueberries. Flavonoid-rich food such as blueberries has shown to have a measurable effect on positive mood.
Research suggests that the phytochemicals in blueberries are what help give them their detoxifying qualities. Phytochemicals help regulate Nrf2 activity, which is key to regulating the body's detoxification and antioxidant system.
So even if you eat an imperfect diet, adding blueberries appears to help burn off belly fat by lowering insulin sensitivity. Another later study found similar results.
Turns out it is rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps the body and brain relax and regulate melatonin. It's also naturally high in tryptophan. Blueberries are beneficial because they are loaded with antioxidants that protect us from stress caused by sleep disorders and help support brain health and memory.
Antioxidants and more antioxidants
Blueberries are a powerful source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which can cause damage to your skin cells and lead to wrinkles and age spots.
Orange-colored fruits and vegetables -- like sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, mangos, and apricots -- are high in beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that helps with night vision, your eyes' ability to adjust to darkness.
Strong scientific evidence exists that eating blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other berry fruits has beneficial effects on the brain and may help prevent age-related memory loss and other changes, scientists report.
Researchers determined that up to six cups of wild blueberries a day improves memory in older adults in 12 weeks, but the dose is unrealistic. When adding just one daily cup of blueberries to the diets of older adults, researchers found improvements in their long-term memory and some other aspects of cognition.