Blueberries are a real superfood. It’s not only attractive in appearance, but the cavalcade of tart and sweet flavours will sweep you off your feet. It is one of the healthiest fruits in the world and is known to have many positive effects. Recent research shows that regular consumption can help prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Is it possible for such a tiny fruit to have such wonderful effects? The latest research shows that it can.
If we eat blueberries regularly, we can avoid many diseases. These include Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, obesity and heart disease. What is the reason for this miraculous effect? First of all, the anthocyanins, which give the fruit its bluish black colour. Anthocyanins are known to have a wide range of positive effects, including reducing inflammation, but they also have anti-ageing, antioxidant and anti-cancer effects.
Cranberries are therefore extremely rich in anthocyanins, plant compounds that neutralise the damaging effects of free radicals in the body and thus reduce the chances of oxidative stress in the body, which can be a cause of serious chronic diseases.
The anti-inflammatory effect of anthocyanins is outstanding. On the one hand, they help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and, on the other hand, they prevent plaque build-up in the arteries. It also lowers blood pressure, making blueberries a protector of artery health, which also benefits brain and heart health.
The antioxidant effects of blueberries also protect the brain from oxidative stress. This is important because oxidative stress does not spare our brains. This fruit not only slows down the ageing process, but also has a positive effect on brain function. Cranberries are therefore also considered to have an outstanding neuroprotective effect, which may offer some protection against the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The anthocyanins in blueberries have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, while significantly reducing oxidative stress. Blueberries also reduce blood sugar levels, thus minimising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
This wonderful fruit is also extremely rich in other nutrients, and it is not for nothing that it has recently been the focus of research. It contains high levels of fibre, vitamin K and vitamin C. Both vitamins have a positive effect on blood vessel health, not to mention the fact that vitamin C is also an antioxidant vitamin.
