Blueberries contain the highest antioxidant value of any fruit and a variety of antioxidants, which makes them one of the most nutrient-dense foods in our world. They are low in calories at 85 per cup; low in glycemic index and glycemic load; yet high in fiber while containing many vitamins and minerals. Although small in size, blueberries have six benefits that increase longevity while also improving many aspects of your health.
Blueberries provide the following six benefits for health and longevity. These nutrient-dense delicacies:
Lower heart disease risk.
Mark blueberries down as a great way to lower your risk of heart disease. The polyphenols in blueberries may help prevent heart disease and reduce high blood pressure. They are also linked to lower levels of oxidized LDL. This protects the cholesterol in your blood from becoming damaged. The plant compounds help improve blood vessel elasticity and enhance the endothelial lining of your blood vessels which only increases longevity. Blueberries also contain resveratrol, which is of known benefit to the heart.
Improve brain function, prevent dementia, and slow aging.
The high antioxidants in blueberries help neutralize free radicals that can ultimately damage your DNA. This protects your body against the aging process by slowing it down. Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, a renowned neurologist at UCLA, advises his patients to eat one cup of blueberries per day. Anthocyanins give blueberries their deep blue color and reduce the risk of dementia by enhancing circulation and protecting brain cells from damage. These high-powered antioxidants also benefit aging neurons by improving cell signaling.
Blueberries are small, but they deliver a powerful punch to your health
Reduce inflammation.
The super load of antioxidants contained in blueberries can also reduce inflammation throughout the body. Depression, heart disease, dementia, cancer, and many autoimmune and chronic diseases have inflammation as a root cause. The antioxidants in blueberries actually help your body repair and reduce inflammation. Any disease improves and pain is reduced when you lower inflammation.
Prevent cancer.
According to Dr. William Li, a Harvard Medical School graduate and researcher, blueberries actually prevent blood flow to cancer tumors. His research claims that nature’s blueberries are almost as powerful as the drug Avastin that his protégé at Harvard invented. Without a blood supply to bring nutrients, cancer tumors can’t grow. This cancer survivor doesn’t let a day pass without using these God-made goodies as preventive medicine.
Improve insulin sensitivity.
These colorful berries contain flavonoids that help improve insulin sensitivity for those who are at risk for type 2 diabetes while providing manganese and vitamin C to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. The bioactive compounds in blueberries outweigh any negative impact of the 15 grams of fruit sugar contained in one cup.
Prevent infections and boost the immune system.
The compounds in blueberries may prevent your next UTI infection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Yes, blueberries actually contain anti-adhesives that prevent bacteria from binding to the walls of your bladder. Anthocyanins also help boost your overall immune function. A 2016 study noted that flavonoids play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defense system.
Consider blueberries a powerful gift of nature that enhances both our health and longevity.
Oh, the numerous benefits this precious little gift of nature provides us. Its ability to limit inflammation and fight free radicals reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. This small gift offers many advantages with little to no side effects. Since many blueberries are heavily sprayed with pesticides, I recommend purchasing them organically or locally. I buy my organic blueberries both fresh and frozen at Costco.
As someone who’s been through Alzheimer’s disease with my dad, heart disease with my father-in-law, and cancer with my mom, husband, and myself, blueberries are now an everyday delicacy in our home. I use them daily in my superfood smoothie. A cup each day may very well keep your doctor at bay! Blueberries are a nutrient-dense gift with only 15 carbs per cup that keeps on giving to your health while increasing your longevity.
For Your Health,
Ginny
Ginny Dent Brant is a speaker and writer who grew up in the halls of power in Washington, DC. She has battled cancer, ministered around the world, and served on the front lines of American culture as a counselor, educator, wellness advocate, and adjunct professor. Brant’s award-winning book, Finding True Freedom: From the White House to the World, was endorsed by Chuck Colson and featured in many TV and media interviews. Unleash Your God-Given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancer was released in May 2020 after her journey with cancer and was recently awarded the First Place Golden Scrolls Award for Memoirs, and Second Place in both Selah Awards for Memoirs and Director’s Choice Award for Nonfiction at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. It recently received the Christian Authors Network’s (CAN) Gold Award for Excellence in Marketing for reaching 62.5 million people with a message of cancer prevention and survival. It was written with commentary from an oncologist and was featured on CBN’s Healthy Living Show, Atlanta Live, and CTN’s Homekeepers along with over 75 media outlets. Learn more and cancer and wellness prevention blog and book information at www.ginnybrant.com.
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