Besides being a source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, blueberries also contain high levels of antioxidants called anthocyanidins, which are responsible for its color as well as its health effects. Another way to experience the flavor of blueberries is by drinking blueberry tea, which contains the same health benefits as blueberry fruit.
Protect Against Muscle Damage
In a 2010 study published in the journal of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, Dr. Roger Hurst led a team of researchers from New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research that examined the effects of blueberry fruit extracts on muscle cells. Scientists found that exposing blueberry fruit extracts to muscle cells protected them from muscle oxidative damage normally associated with high-intensity exercise. Scientists stated that blueberries high levels of antioxidants are the reason behind the results of the study.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Blueberries might be effective in reducing the risk of diabetes, according to findings reported in the 2010 issue of the Journal of Nutrition. William Cefalu and colleagues investigated the impact of a blueberry smoothie on obese, non-diabetic and insulin-resistant patients. Insulin-resistant individuals need large amounts of insulin to store glucose, a process that increases the risk for diabetes. Subjects received a blueberry smoothie or a placebo twice a day for six weeks. Scientists observed that the blueberry smoothie group experienced improvements in insulin sensitivity compared to the placebo group. Boosting insulin sensitivity helps the body use insulin more efficiently to store glucose, which can lower diabetes risk.
Boosts Memory
In a 2010 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Robert Krikorian led a team of researchers that studied the effects of blueberry juice on memory. Participants ingested blueberry juice or a placebo every day for two months. Scientists found that the blueberry juice group showed significant improvement on memory tasks.
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