A family’s concentration on its nutrition is a direct parameter to judge its health and happiness. However, with many changes in the lifestyle, our life has become very fast in the latest century. It has become quite challenging to keep up with the daily nutrition. Life has become more sedentary, people just eat, but they do not eat smart. Eating smart refers to getting out the maximum nutrition from the food. Most people make sure they eat till tummy full, but they do not count on the nutrients. It’s not uncommon to hear people complain that they are getting fatter, even though they claim that they have good, healthy and nutritious food.
Mostly, we claim that we are eating good and fresh fruits and vegetables, high in various nutrients. Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the fact how that the use of fertilizers and pesticide has affected the food chain, soil, and water and is interfering with our good health.
Fortunately, there are ways to rectify the damage we have been inflicting on ourselves and for ensuring good health in future. All we need to do is eat intelligent. Nature has all the provisions to protect us from the harmful diseases and health problems. The super foods help us to do so. Apples, blueberries, avocados, salmon, flaxseed and almonds are some examples of super foods. Let us pick blueberries and find benefits-
Blueberries are very popular around the globe and are known for various health benefits. Blueberries are best known for the anti-oxidant benefits. Antioxidants are very crucial in building the immune system of the body.
Anti-oxidants:
Antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, copper, iron, zinc and anthocyanin, are all present in blueberries. They help us fight most of the diseases and boost up our immune system.
Fight Cancer:
Blueberries have anthocyanins which are responsible in fighting the carcinogenic free radicals and other diseases that can aggravate with age. Some compounds in blueberries like Ellagic acid and Pterostilbene, can even prevent cancer.
Cholesterol:
Blueberries help in lowering the cholesterol level in the body. This is how you can maintain good health of your heart as well. In addition, it helps in losing weight and getting rid of the fat around the belly.
Weight loss:
As mentioned above, blueberries can help reduce abdominal fats. Researches held in Michigan University, have proven this.
Anti-Aging Effects:
Antioxidants are known for their anti-aging effects and since blueberries are rich source of anti-oxidants, they help you stay young. They work better than any of the expensive anti-wrinkle creams available in the markets.
Fights Alzheimer’s:
Blueberries are also claimed to fight the Alzheimer’s disease. They enhance the memory and act as natural anti-depressants too.
Aid Digestion:
They are rich in fiber hence help prevent constipation. Various elements like fructose, copper, and vitamins help it to improve digestion and improve the health of the urinary tract.
Blueberries are best consumed in their natural form. Otherwise you have blueberry flavored yogurt, blueberry muffins etc. to give you equal benefits. Many sports nutrition and supplements also include the goodness of blueberries to give the best protection against diseases to the athletes.
Brain Health:
Blueberries heal up the damaged brain cells and neuron tissues and sharp your memory and keep up your memory level for a long-long time. Researchers found that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging animals, making them mentally equivalent to much younger ones.
Author Bio
Terrie Dawson is a health writer and fitness enthusiast. She advocates the idea to consult an online doctor for free diagnosis and medical consultation. Besides this she contributes for various online health publications that mainly cover weight-loss measures, health guides and fashion. When she’s is not educating her readers with her writings, she’s most likely educating herself by reading her favorite stuff.
