Anti-Aging Effects of Blueberries
Blueberry season is almost coming. But this sweet, flare-crowned, indigo superfruit is more than just a
mouth-watering delight to your craving senses. Would you believe that this favourite has a wide range of
micronutrients that do not only protect the body from diseases, but also aging?
High Antioxidant Value
Blueberries, along with blackberries, strawberries, and plums, have the highest total antioxidant capacity of
any food. It is being regarded as one of the “superfuits” having the promising combination of nutrient value,
emerging research evidence for health benefits, versatility for manufacturing popular consumer products,
and antioxidant strength.
Antioxidants are thought to aid in guarding the body against the detrimental effects of free radicals to cells
and the chronic diseases associated with the course of aging.The antioxidants present in this fruit can protect
the cell, so there is less chance for aging. Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per
1 cup of blueberries. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants.
With this, the effects of blueberries to the skin are copious.
Neuron Protection
The compound anthocyanin, found in blueberries, is thought to slow down age-related loss in the mental
capacity of humans. Those who eat more blueberries are thought to have better functioning in motor
behavioral learning and memory. Anthocyanin also gives blueberries their colour and might be the key
factor of the blueberry’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While it is thought that aging can
decrease cognitive and motor functions, blueberries can be of huge help to improve mental functioning.
Better balance and coordination
Blueberries also have positive effects to balance and coordination. In a study by Dr. James Joseph of Tufts
University, it was found that a diet loaded with blueberries counteracted poor balance and coordination
associated with aging. In this study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Joseph fed four groups of rats
a normal diet. But among these groups were given blueberries, spinach, or strawberries.
For 18 weeks, the rats were tested for mental functioning, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. The
two groups which were fed with strawberry and blueberry extracts performed well on these tests, but the
group fed with blueberries executed the most improvement.
Not only that, findings also showed that blueberries improved the neuronal functioning of the rats. Dr.
Joseph suspects the findings are a result of blueberries' rich store of flavonoids -- phytochemicals that have
an effect on cell membranes. These findings suggest that nutritional intervention can offer hope to those
suffering poor balance and coordination related to aging.
Prevention of diseases
A serving of blueberries provides a relatively low glycemic load while providing a diverse range of
nutrients, which also means there are fewer calories (good news for calorie-watchers) in a serving full of
phytochemicals and nutrients such as iron, vitamins C and E. Because of the phytochemicals present, the
risk of acquiring some deadly diseases may also be prevented.
Anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and tannins found in this wonderful fruit may help prevent
cancer by inhibiting some cancer mechanisms. These components protect the DNA from damage and
disintegration caused by free radicals.
At a symposium on berry health benefits, there have been reports that eating blueberries and other similar
fruits like cranberries may improve the cognitive deterioration occurring in Alzheimer's disease and other
conditions of aging. Blueberries may help lower the damages of stroke.
Researches have also shown that blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI), hypertension,
and hypercholesterolemia that can also lead to potentially fatal heart disease.
With blueberries, your tongue, and more importantly your health would get the best out of it. Well, even
without all these benefits in mind, who wouldn’t die for a serving of blueberries? Hmmmm… Anyone?
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