Though the blueberries try to keep their place of origin under their blue veil, many consider it native to Europe, North Africa, the Caucasus, North Asia, North America.
Hammonton a town in the Atlantic county of New Jersey, U.S.A is entitled as “The Blueberry Capital of the World”, harvesting 44 million pounds of blueberries in 2018.
Blueberries are a rich source of flavonoids “anthocyanins” and other phenolic compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and chlorogenic acid which bestows health benefiting abilities upon the berry. But can it beat cancer and other life-threatening diseases and disorders? Can anthocyanins give a tough fight to all these maladies? If yes then how?
Here are some blueberries for our bellies and its benefits.
Blueberries vs. Cancer:
According to a study on “Molecular Mechanism and Health role of Functional Ingredients in Blueberries for Chronic Human Diseases” by Luyao Ma et.al., anthocyanins and phenolic acids showed a higher tumor stayer, as well as anti carcinogenesis properties by reducing the proliferation of cancer cells. Cancer reduces cell deaths i.e cancer induces antiapoptotic mechanisms which is why cancerous cells spread and don’t die. Anthocyanin along with pyruvic acid in blueberries not only lowers this antiapoptotic mechanism but also reduces the progression of cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
The study also avered that the lowbush blueberries have a component known as proanthocyanidins that enhanced the apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. The vitamin C in blueberries also have a potential role in reducing cancer. In fact, the study also presents an experiment that proves that 400mg of blueberries given to the rats reduces tumor size significantly! Voila, it’s a win-win for the berries!
Now let’s see what happens, if we change the opponent to obesity?
Blueberries vs. Obesity:
Obesity is associated with increased spread of monocytes into the adipose tissues (Storage site of fats) which cause inflammation leading to several metabolic abnormalities. According to Luyao Ma et al., anthocyanins from blueberry de alcohol fermented beverages increase the uptake of glucose in the liver tissues and reduces the release of glycerol into adipose cells. Blueberry polyphenols inhibit adipogenesis and cell proliferation.
The blueberry leaf extract lowered the bodyweight of mice by 20% that were on a high-fat diet. According to Luyao Ma et al. study showed to have reduced the adipose tissues in the liver and abdomen upon increased consumption of wild blueberries. Surely, the blueberries do seem to have an upper-hand on obesity!
Now let’s take skin damage as the next opponent!
Blueberry vs. Skin damage:
Megan Ware in a medical newsletter stated that collagen, the support system of skin depends on vitamin C which protects the skin from getting damaged because of sun, smoke, pollution. She also added that vitamin C improves collagen’s ability to smoothen wrinkles and enhance overall skin texture. A cup of blueberries provides 24 percent of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C, states Megan ware. Again a win-win for blueberries!
Blueberries vs. Heart ailments:
As the blueberries contain potassium, calcium, magnesium it is thought to reduce high blood pressure states a medical newsletter penned by Megan Ware (RDN, L.D). Although, the newsletter also stated further that there are many other contradictory findings. But, according to a study done by the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Anglia, the U.K, regular consumption of anthocyanins can reduce the risk of heart attack by 32percent in young and middle-aged women. The study concluded that women who consumed 2-3 servings of blueberries or strawberries per week showed better results. Amazing isn’t it?
Now let’s see what effect does blueberries have on brain/mental health!
Blueberries vs. Mental health:
Megan Ware in the medical newsletter revealed a population-based study that proved, that blueberry consumption is associated with slower cognitive decline in older women. She further added that blueberry consumption also affects by reducing cognitive damage as well as improving a person’s short- term memory and motor coordination. Luyao Ma et al. in their study “Molecular Mechanism and Health role of Functional Ingredients in Blueberries for Chronic Human Diseases” stated that blueberries have neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease.
Well then now that we have seen how blueberries have diverse ways of working for most of the organs, we will now see it’s the effect on our bone health! But before that, a quick fact about blueberries and their action on the liver! Yes, blueberries and it’s components having antioxidative properties fight and protect the liver against the surging reactive oxygen species due to hepatitis C or/and any other liver dysfunction. So blueberries do cover all the organs under its protective shield!
Blueberries vs. Bone health:
According to Megan Ware, blueberries being a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, manganese, and vitamin K, which are required by the bones in building and maintaining bone strength and structure.
According to the Aggregate Nutrient Density
Index, large bioactive compounds place the blueberries high on the index with a score of 132! Blueberries, unlike their size, does have an h0uge protective shield, due to its small, yet potential activities against the damaging ailments. So come on then, let’s grab a handful of blueberries for snacks, what are we waiting for??!!
read also:- Benefits Of A Magical Tiny Heart Shaped Fruit.
