Anti-Aging Effects of Blueberries

Blueberry season is almost coming. But this sweet, flare-crowned, indigo superfr
uit is more than just a mouth-watering delight to your craving senses. Would you
believe that this favourite has a wide range of micronutrients that do not only
protect the body from diseases, but also aging?
High Antioxidant Value
Blueberries, along with blackberries, strawberries, and plums, have the highest
total antioxidant capacity of any food. It is being regarded as one of the superf
uits having the promising combination of nutrient value, emerging research eviden
ce for health benefits, versatility for manufacturing popular consumer products,
and antioxidant strength.
Antioxidants are thought to aid in guarding the body against the detrimental eff
ects of free radicals to cells and the chronic diseases associated with the cour
se of aging. The antioxidants present in this fruit can protect the cell, so
there is less chance for aging. Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 m
g Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins and
phenolics that can also act as antioxidants. With this, the effects of blueber
ries to the skin are copious.
Neuron Protection
The compound anthocyanin, found in blueberries, is thought to slow down age-rela
ted loss in the mental capacity of humans. Those who eat more blueberries are th
ought to have better functioning in motor behavioral learning and memory. Anthoc
yanin also gives blueberries their colour and might be the key factor of the blu
eberrys antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While it is thought that ag
ing can decrease cognitive and motor functions, blueberries can be of huge help
to improve mental functioning.
Better balance and coordination
Blueberries also have positive effects to balance and coordination. In a study b
y Dr. James Joseph of Tufts University, it was found that a diet loaded with blu
eberries counteracted poor balance and coordination associated with aging. In th
is study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Joseph fed four groups of rat
s a normal diet. But among these groups were given blueberries, spinach, or stra
wberries.
For 18 weeks, the rats were tested for mental functioning, muscle strength, coor
dination, and balance. The two groups which were fed with strawberry and blueber
ry extracts performed well on these tests, but the group fed with blueberries ex
ecuted the most improvement.
Not only that, findings also showed that blueberries improved the neuronal funct
ioning of the rats. Dr. Joseph suspects the findings are a result of blueberries
' rich store of flavonoids -- phytochemicals that have an effect on cell membran
es. These findings suggest that nutritional intervention can offer hope to those
suffering poor balance and coordination related to aging.
Prevention of diseases
A serving of blueberries provides a relatively low glycemic load while providing
a diverse range of nutrients, which also means there are fewer calories (good n
ews for calorie-watchers) in a serving full of phytochemicals and nutrients such
as iron, vitamins C and E. Because of the phytochemicals present, the risk of a
cquiring some deadly diseases may also be prevented.
Anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and tannins found in this wonderful
fruit may help prevent cancer by inhibiting some cancer mechanisms. These compon
ents protect the DNA from damage and disintegration caused by free radicals.
At a symposium on berry health benefits, there have been reports that eating blu
eberries and other similar fruits like cranberries may improve the cognitive det
erioration occurring in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions of aging. Blueb
erries may help lower the damages of stroke.
Researches have also shown that blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infec
tions (UTI), hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia that can also lead to potent
ially fatal heart disease.
With blueberries, your tongue, and more importantly your health would get the be
st out of it. Well, even without all these benefits in mind, who wouldnt die for
a serving of blueberries? Hmmmm Anyone?