Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries are a widely available and popular due to their sweet flavour. Often labelled a superfood, these tiny little balls of goodness are rich in antioxidants and incredibly good for you.

Read on to learn about the top four benefits of blueberries.

King of antioxidants

Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruit and vegetables, which is why it is often referred to as the ‘King’ of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to ageing and diseases.

Blueberries are particularly rich in one type of flavonoid called anthocyanins, which is responsible for many of the berries health benefits.

Prevent oxidative damage to ‘bad’ cholesterol

The antioxidants in blueberries are strongly linked to reduced levels of oxidised LDL, making the berries very good for the heart. Studies show a daily 50g serving of blueberries lowered LDL oxidation by 27% in eight weeks in obese people.

Can help maintain brain function and improve memory

When the brain is under oxidative stress, it can accelerate its ageing process and negatively affect function. Some studies have found that the antioxidants in blueberries appear to benefit the ageing neurons in the brain, with one study showing an improvement in several markers of brain function after twelve weeks of consuming blueberry juice every day.

May improve insulin sensitivity

Blueberries contain anthocyanins, and research suggests these compounds have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. In a study of obese people with insulin resistance, two blueberry smoothies a day significantly improved insulin sensitivity.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10995120/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22175691/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820045/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19057194/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2850944/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18066143/