- Blueberries are low in calories but high in nutrients
One cup can provide up to 24% of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, along with high fibre, Vitamin K and Manganese. Manganese plays an important role in metabolism meaning they can help keep you slim and energised. Being 85% water, the calorie count per cup is only 84 calories.
- Blueberries have high levels of antioxidants
Antioxidants protect our bodies from free radicals, which can contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer. Blueberries are believed to have the highest antioxidant levels of all commonly consumed fruit and vegetables. The high levels of antioxidants can protect against DNA damage, which is the reason behind both ageing and cancer.
- Blueberries reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood
The antioxidants in blueberries also help combat the ‘bad’ cholesterol in blood , the LDL lipoproteins. A daily 50 gram serving of blueberries lowered LDL oxidation by 27% in obese participants, after a period of eight weeks.
- Blueberries may lower blood pressure.
Blueberries appear to have significant benefits for people with high blood pressure, a major risk factor for some of the world’s leading killers.
In one study, obese individuals at a high risk for heart disease noted a 4-6% reduction in blood pressure, after consuming 50 grams (1.7 ounces) of blueberries per day, for eight weeks.
- Blueberries help improve your memory
Several studies link high flavonoid levels in blueberries with a better memory, and regular consumption may help keep your brain functioning well as you age, new research suggests. A six year study of 16,010 elderly participants found that blueberries and strawberries were linked to delays in cognitive ageing by up to 2.5 years.
