Blueberries have always been a tasty ingredient in things like pancakes, shakes and pies. But did you know they also have a hidden benefit of being very healthy for you?
At the core of their effectiveness, blueberries are very high in antioxidants. Foods high in antioxidants are help heal your body in many ways, most notably they help your cardiovascular system. They neutralize harmful oxidized molecules that can wreak havoc upon your arteries and veins.
Studies have shows that eating 1-2 cups of blueberries per day has reduced cholesterol, raised HDL levels and reduced triglycerides. They were also found to help protect the lining of the arteries from damage, which can lead to blockage later in life. 1-2 cups is a lot of blueberries though, especially when they can sell for several dollars a pint. But the good news is that frozen blueberries were found to have the same benefits. So stock up when they’re cheap and freeze them or buy them frozen in the store.
Researchers also found that older people who drank blueberry juice, which allows one to consume large quantities of blueberries at once, improved cognitive functioning. Participants saw increases in memory and showed a decrease in other issues with aging.
Blueberries have also been shown to help regulate blood sugar, a critical outcome for those with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Notice how even foods that are naturally sweet can help with blood sugar levels. Its important to limit your sugar intake.
These are wide ranging health benefits, and we’re seeing them from one simple berry. If these health benefits could be put into a pill and given an catchy name, they’d be advertised on T.V. and we’d be asking our doctor about them.
Blueberries can be a tasty medicine snack just by themselves. But be creative. Pair them with other foods you find on this site. They go well with just about everything. They can make a smoothy taste terrific, or be a nice addition to whole wheat pancakes.