A healthy body is not determined by just one aspect but by a combination of factors. This includes eating the right kind of diet, getting enough sleep and getting plenty of exercise. Luckily, nature has given us a lot of amazing ingredients and foods that we can add to our diet for fitness and health. For instance, berries are nutrient-rich powerhouses that fill us with good health and improve our diet on many fronts. While strawberries and gooseberries are commonly consumed in Indian households, one type of berry we eat less of is the blueberry. Did you know that the humble blueberry is actually super healthy and may provide a host of surprising health benefits?
Here are 6 health benefits of blueberries you should know about:
1. Low in Calories
trying to lose weight? blueberry A great addition to your diet. They have virtually no fat content and are also quite low in calories. Its water content is also high at about 85% according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. Thus, you can enjoy a bowl without worrying about gaining weight. Studies have also shown that it can have a positive effect on metabolism and may help to counter the effects of a high-fat diet.
2. Nutrient Dense
Although blueberries are small in size, they are packed with some amazing nutrients. Blueberries are a great source of vitamins including vitamin C and dietary fiber. Blueberries also contain lots of minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. These are the nutrients that we tend to ignore in our daily diet but can be added through this miracle food.
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Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse, and there’s more than one reason for that. Photo Credit: Unsplash
3. Rich in Antioxidants
Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods packed with naturally occurring flavonoids. They also contain anthocyanins which give this humble fruit its distinctive blue colour. antioxidant content in blue berries This means that it protects the body from damage caused by free radicals and helps repair cell damage.
4. Improve Heart Health
There are many ways in which blueberries may have a positive effect on heart health. Firstly, blueberries have negligible fat content and zero cholesterol. Then, they also have the opposite effect on the existing fat and cholesterol in the body. In addition, blueberries are rich in potassium which helps control high blood pressure and manage high blood pressure.
Read also: Mango and Blueberry Muffins Will Surely Make Your Kids Happy
Blueberries are naturally high in antioxidants. Photo Credit: Unsplash
5. May Lower Blood Sugar
Blueberries have also been associated with regulation of blood sugar levels. They are low in glycemic index (GI), which means they do not cause blood sugar spikes. Their excellent fiber content makes them ideal for diabetics. Studies have also found a positive association between blueberry consumption and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 2 diabetes,
6. Prevent diseases
Want to keep your immune health in top shape? Blueberries are your best bet. Their excellent antioxidant content along with high amounts of Vitamin C – both boost immunity and keep diseases at bay. They also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, making them nothing less than a superfood for immunity.
So, include blueberries in your diet every day and reap the benefits for good health in the long run!