The blueberries They are some small red or dark blue berries, being a fruit of the healthiest to have a large amount of antioxidants. They are popularly known as fruits of the forest and have become in recent years one of the most consumed fruits due to the many benefits they bring to health.
They can be found both cultivated and wild, the latter having a more intense flavor. Low-calorie fruits that should always be eaten when they are firm, without damaged parts, keeping them in the fridge and washing them only when they are going to be consumed.
Next we tell you what are the benefits and properties of blueberries so you can start including them in your diet.
Blueberry properties
Inside the list of foods rich in antioxidants, blueberries are one of the foods with the highest antioxidant power. An antioxidant power that is due to the combination of organic acids and anthocyanins, substances that give it its characteristic color and among which the malvidin, peonidin, cyanidin or mirtilin.
In addition to these properties, blueberries contain tannins and flavonoids, B vitamins, vitamin C, and essential minerals such as manganese. The best way to consume them to take advantage of their properties is eat them fresh, although frozen they also keep most of their vitamins and anthocyanins. In contrast, blueberries in jam or pasteurized juices lose vitamin C.
Among the benefits of blueberries are:
Ideal to protect against the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Among the recommended practices when it comes to taking care of the health of our heart are following a healthy diet in which blueberries are not lacking. Blueberries have a component, pterostilbene, which is ideal for preventing diabetes and heart disease.
Revitalize memory
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanin, a substance that has the benefit of revitalizing memory, slowing down neurological deterioration caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The antioxidants it has also help to lift the mood, being advisable to consume them regularly.
They prevent and help stop urine infections
Consuming blueberries helps in the prevention and treatment of urinary infections. By having a large amount of organic acids, the urine becomes somewhat more acidic, slowing down the proliferation of bacteria. To this action is added that of flavonoids, capable of preventing the amount of microorganisms from increasing.
An ideal food to include in weight loss diets
Being low in calories, sugars and being rich in antioxidants and fiber, blueberries are really effective for weight loss. The amount of fiber it has favors the elimination of fats, the nutrients they provide are also key.
Improve eye health
According to many studies, anthocyanins are effective for protecting the eye and regenerating damage caused by diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa.
Protect against digestive infections
Blueberries help fight the action of digestive infections, helping to have healthy digestions thanks to the amount of nutrients they provide. Thanks to blueberries you will be able to regulate intestinal transit and enjoy lighter and lighter digestions.