The power of Blueberries!
It's well known that oranges are a great source of vitamin C and bananas have plenty of potassium. But did you know that eating blueberries can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower your blood pressure, fight cancer and promote digestive health?
The fashionable blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a relative newcomer to the popular fruit scene and was one of the first to be titled a ‘superfood’. Blueberries grow in clusters on shrubby bushes and can range in size. Cultivated blueberries are common and taste sweeter than those grown in the wild which are tart. So, here are 4 reasons why blueberries are great for your health!
Great for your heart!
Blueberries are high in fiber and contain antioxidants, which help prevent chronic diseases by protecting healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals . Therefore, eating the fruit promotes heart health. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of East Anglia reviewed the berry-eating habits of 93,600 women between the ages of 25 and 42 over 18 years and concluded that women who ate three or more servings of blueberries and strawberries per week reduced their risk of heart attack by as much as one-third!
Fights Cancer!
For being such a small fruit, blueberries can be a strong ally in the fight against cancer. Blueberries contain high levels of powerful compounds called phytochemicals which decrease the risk of several cancers by protecting your cells from chronic inflammation. They fight cancer by stimulating the immune system and reducing the kind of inflammation that makes cancer growth more likely. Phytochemicals can also slow the growth rate of cancer cells and trigger damaged cells to destroy themselves before they can reproduce!
Weight Control!
Eating blueberries and other fruits is a great way to control your weight. Did you know that a cup of blueberries only contains 84 calories? Blueberries are high in fiber, which helps you feel satisfied. A cup of blueberries gives cereal or oatmeal a sweet, healthy punch, while adding blueberries to salads provides color and pizazz. Yogurt with fresh blueberries and a few chocolate chips makes a great low-calorie snack or dessert!
Improves cognitive performance!
Did you know that eating blueberries can help delay and mitigate cognitive decline? During one study involving 47 people aged 68 and older who had mild cognitive impairment, researchers provided the participants either freeze-dried blueberry powder, equivalent to a cup of fresh berries, or a placebo powder once a day for 16 weeks. Those who had the blueberry powder showed improvement in cognitive performance and brain function compared to participants who took the placebo. A second study involving 94 people between the ages of 62 and 80 suggested that participants who had blueberry powder had better cognition than individuals who took placebos!
As you can see, blueberries can be such a powerful weapon as you work towards improving your overall health, fitness and wellness. It has numerous properties that can aid multiple aspects of your body, and this is why Tipson is bringing you a blueberry matcha tea infusion! Packed with antioxidants, minerals, EGCG and vitamins, this high quality Organic Matcha green tea is a delicious superfood right to your tea cup!