Blueberries are not generally harmful to human health. In fact, they are just the opposite; they provide an abundance of health benefits. Not only are they a naturally sweet little treat, they contain vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants. Only a few groups of people should limit their consumption of blueberries but everyone else should implement them into their diet to reap their health and anti-aging benefits.
Blood Sugar
Blueberries do contain natural sugar and MedlinePlus explains that diabetics may need to limit their blueberry intake if it affects their blood sugar. Blueberries may actually lower blood glucose levels in diabetics, according to MedlinePlus. If you are diabetic, be aware of signs of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia such as feeling lightheaded if you are consuming blueberries or any other food containing sugar. Blueberries may also interfere with blood sugar control during or post surgery. Avoid intake of blueberries at least two weeks before surgery.
Brain Food
Blueberries may actually reduce or help prevent memory loss and improve cognitive function due to their polyphenol compounds, according to Dr. Jonny Bowden, author of "The 150 Most Healthy Foods on Earth." Bowden explains that blueberries not only improve brain neurons that effect memory but they can increase production of new neurons. Plant pigments called anthocyanin compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that also help improve symptoms associated with diseases that affect the brain such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia.
Skin Benefits
The antioxidants in blueberries help protect your skin from everyday oxidation damage from UV-B rays, pollutants in the air and cigarette smoke. This can help prevent early skin damage and premature aging of your skin. UV-B rays damage the structure of skin by destroying collagen. A study done by at the Department of Food and Nutrition and Korean Institute of Nutrition in Korea concluded that an extract from blueberries helped impede the degradation of skin's collagen.
Heart Health
Consistent consumption of blueberries may help prevent inflammation that affects the heart, which can help prevent heart disease, heart attack and heart failure. The National Institutes of Health conducted a study on rats to examine the effects of blueberries on heart health. The study, published in the June 2009 issue of "PLoS One," found that blueberry intake helped reduce heart inflammation. Bowden states that blueberries have one of the highest oxygen radical capacity values of any food in the world. This means its antioxidant and phytochemical properties work extremely well together in your body, providing powerful heart health and its other health benefits.
References
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth;" Dr. Jonny Bowden; 2007
- MedlinePlus: Blueberry
- MayoClinic.com: What Are the Best Foods for Healthy Skin; Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry:"Blueberry Supplementation Improves Memory; R. Krikorian et al.; April 14, 2010
- "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research:" Bog Blueberry Anthocyanins Alleviate Photoaging; J.Y. Bae et al.; June 2009
- "PLoS One:" Blueberry-Enriched Diet Protects Rat Heart From Ischemic Damage; I. Ahmet et al.; June 18, 2009
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