Blueberries Have Superpowers
“Blueberries have superpowers,” asserts Vilma Andari, M.S., a nutrition expert and founder of NutraHealthFood in Los Angeles. While this may sound extreme, Andari has a valid point.
A recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association indicates that blueberries might lower the risk of heart attacks in women. The findings suggest that consuming three or more servings of blueberries (and strawberries) each week could reduce a woman’s risk of developing heart disease by up to one-third.
Blueberries Dilate Arteries
What exactly do these berries do that benefits health so significantly?
According to the research, fruits like blueberries are rich in dietary flavonoids, which are also found in strawberries, blackberries, eggplant, grapes, and various other fruits and vegetables. A specific subgroup of these flavonoids can assist in dilating arteries, which helps prevent plaque accumulation.
Blueberries Contain Antioxidants
“When you consume foods such as blueberries that are high in antioxidants, you are aiding in reducing free radicals in your body,” explains Andari. She adds that these berries help combat inflammation within the cardiovascular system.
Blueberries Benefit the Mind
“The antioxidants found in many fruits, including blueberries, help to strengthen cells and elevate oxygen levels in the body,” she notes. “This can positively influence brain health.”
Blueberries Are Low in Calories
Andari advises incorporating fruit into your daily diet, with blueberries being an excellent option, but with a word of caution:
“There’s a limit to any food, so moderation is key,” she warns. “A single cup of blueberries, around 80 calories, can keep you feeling full. They are fiber-rich, which helps sustain fullness.” It’s crucial to understand that no single food, blueberries included, can guarantee health on its own. Other lifestyle choices, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly, work in conjunction to promote heart health. Additionally, doctors recommend blueberries as a nutritious snack at work, as highlighted in Go Red’s video focused on healthy eating advice.
Learn more healthy tips for snacking at GoRedForWomen.org.
