Did You Know?

Blueberries!  Such an amazing little fruit...

They can be sweet and sometimes a little tart.

We like to put them on yogurt, pancakes, waffles, 

in a muffin or bread, in a smoothie.

The possibilities are endless...

But I bet you didn't know that these little  

fruits are so good for you.

Did you know... blueberries can...

1)Maintaining healthy bones

The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, 

zinc and vitamin K in blueberries all contribute to 

building and maintaining bone structure and strength.

Iron and zinc play crucial roles in maintaining

 the strength and elasticity of bones and joints.

 Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated 

with a higher risk for bone fracture,

 while adequate vitamin K intakes improve calcium

 absorption and may reduce calcium loss.

2) Lowering blood pressure

Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to 

lowering blood pressure. 

Blueberries are naturally free

 of sodium and contain potassium, 

calcium, and magnesium, 

all of which have been found to 

decrease blood pressure naturally.

3) Managing diabetes

Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber

 diets have lower blood glucose levels and 

type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar

, lipids and insulin levels.

 One cup of blueberries 

contributes 3.6 grams of fiber.

4) Warding off heart disease

The blueberry's fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6 

and phytonutrient content, coupled with

 its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. 

The fiber in blueberries helps

 lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood

 and decrease the risk of heart disease.

5) Preventing cancer

Vitamin C, vitamin A, and various phytonutrients 

in blueberries function as powerful antioxidants

 that help protect cells against free radical damage.

 They inhibit tumor growth, decrease inflammation

 in the body and help ward off or slow several 

types of cancer, including esophageal, lung, mouth, 

pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate and colon.

Blueberries also contain folate, which plays a role 

in DNA synthesis and repair, thus preventing

 the formation of cancer cells from

 mutations in the DNA.

6) Improving mental health

Population-based studies have shown that consumption

 of blueberries can reduce the risk of 

cognitive decline as well as 

Parkinson's disease - a neurodegenerative disorder

 resulting from cell death in parts of the brain.

7) Healthy digestion

Because of their fiber content,

 blueberries help to prevent

 constipation and promote 

regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

8) Weight loss and satiety

Dietary fiber is commonly recognized as an important

 factor in weight loss and weight management

 by functioning as a "bulking agent" in the digestive system.

 High fiber foods increase satiety and reduce appetite,

 making you feel fuller for longer and thereby 

lowering your overall calorie intake.

9) Fighting wrinkles

Collagen, the skin's support system, relies on vitamin C 

as an essential nutrient that works in our bodies as 

an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun,

 pollution and smoke. Vitamin C also promotes

 collagen's ability to smooth wrinkles and 

improve overall skin texture.

 Just one cup of blueberries provides 

24% of your daily need for vitamin C.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I don't know about you, but I think

 I'll be eating a bit more 

of this power fruit!

Now, I think I'll have some yogurt!

I hope you all have a Delightfully Bright Day!

Hugs & Blessings,