Blueberries
A new "superfood"!
Blueberries are a widely distributed and widespread group of perennial flowering plants with blue or purple berries. They are classified in the section Cyanococcus within the genus Vaccinium. Vaccinium also includes cranberries, bilberries, huckleberries and Madeira blueberries. Commercial blueberries—both wild (lowbush) and cultivated (highbush)—are all native to North America. The highbush varieties were introduced into Europe during the 1930s.
What are the top 5 health benefits of blueberries?
-
May be protective
Blueberries contain one of the highest antioxidant levels amongst commonly consumed fruit and vegetables. This is typically referred to as the ORAC score. They are extremely rich in naturally occurring plant compounds called phytochemicals such as ellagic acid and anthocyanidins. These phytochemicals are responsible for the blue, indigo and red colouring of the berry.
-
May help prevent heart disease
Research has shown that anthocyanidins, which are found in berry fruits, may support the cardiovascular system. They appear to do this by supporting the health of blood vessels and reducing the arterial stiffness which is associated with ageing.
-
May help regulate blood sugar
Blueberries are both low in sugar and a good source of fibre, as a result they have a low Glycaemic Index (GI). This, together with their high flavonoid content, may help improve insulin sensitivity which is important for managing blood sugar levels.
-
May help maintain eye health
Including blueberries regularly in your diet may improve vision and guard against age-related macular degeneration. This is thought to be thanks to the improved blood and oxygen flow to the eyes and the antioxidant protection which may help reduce the likelihood of cataract and macular degeneration.
-
May alleviate gastrointestinal issues and UTIs
Traditional medicine suggests blueberries may be a useful remedy for both gastrointestinal conditions and urinary tract infections.