The Health Benefits of Blueberries

By Hescott Nutrition Services | posted in January, 2020 | Antioxidant, Health benefits, Free Radical, Healthy, Wellness

When it comes to health benefits, good things do come in small sizes - blueberries are proof of this!

Blueberries are packed with high amounts of antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic disease, as well as, they contain potassium and vitamin A and C. Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of all body tissues, keeps teeth and gums healthy, and helps heal cuts and wounds quickly. It also plays an important role as an antioxidant to protect the tissues from oxidation damage. Antioxidants act to protect the cells from free radical effects, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may add to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Vitamin A helps cell reproduction, vision, bone growth, tooth development, and maintains healthy skin and hair. It also stimulates immunity and is needed for the formation of some hormones. Vitamin A deficiency may cause night blindness, dry skin, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel. Vitamin A also includes Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and retinol.

Potassium is important for the body's growth and maintenance. It is essential for proper heart function, normal water balance between the cells and body fluids and affects blood pressure level. Potassium deficiency may cause muscular cramps, insomnia, irregular heartbeats, twitching, kidney, and lung failure.

U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted a study that tested more than 100 various kinds of food for total antioxidant capacity per serving and found blueberries, both wild and cultivated, scored highest in total antioxidant capacity per serving among all fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs tested.

Eat blueberries for breakfast, sprinkle some on your cereal and salad, add them to cookies, make them for snacks or a delicious smoothie (click here for the blueberry Superfood smoothie recipe) that is both tasteful and healthful.

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