Blueberries

 In nature and nutrition, blue is the hue that creates a vibrantly healthy you.

 

Blue foods are packed with phytochemicals that offer a myriad of health benefits, including improved memory, neurological health, cardiovascular health and reduced cancer risk. Superfoods, that are blue in color are considered the most potent of all.

Blueberries are rich in fiber, vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, selenium, zinc, phosphorus and manganese – blueberries also contain carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin) and flavonoids (rutin, resveratrol, quercetin). Also blueberries are bursting with high levels of phytonutrients known as anthocyanins and pterostilbenes. This potent stew of nutrients imparts antioxidant powers greater than any other single food, making it the superhero of disease prevention.

Here is a list of just a few of the health benefits that can be derived from including a handful of this tasty treat in your daily diet:

1. Brain Health: By protecting brains cells from the oxidative effects of free radicals, the antioxidants in blueberries help prevent and minimize age-related memory loss. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect which protects neurons from damage, thereby helping improve motor control and cognition. Most impressively, blueberries have been shown to reduce the formation and enhance the clearance of amyloid protein, the abnormal protein seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

Heart Health ... One serving of blueberries per week can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension, including the reduced risk of heart attack and heart failure, reduction of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries, and improved blood lipid profiles.

Reduced Cancer Risk: The phytonutrients in blueberries can actually prevent cancer cells from proliferating as well. Blueberries has been shown to be helpful in treating numerous types of cancer, including pancreatic, oral, breast, colon and prostate.

Anti-Aging Effect: By preventing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals the antioxidants in blueberries help to prevent DNA damage and inhibit collagen breakdown. Other blueberry nutrients help to repair and create new collagen – the primary connective tissue support of skin. More blueberries = less wrinkles. Cool.

Vision Health: Blueberries are loaded with the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients necessary to support healthy eyes and to prevent age-related eye problems, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, myopia and infections.

Liver Health:
Nutrients in blueberries reduce liver size, and improve liver function by improved blood lipid profile, improved blood glucose management, reduced belly fat, and improved insulin sensitivity – all good things.

Weight Loss: Blueberries are a good source of fiber, which makes them a filling, satisfying food that promotes proper colon function. Along with the benefits of improved liver function listed above, blueberries make a valuable addition to any weight-management plan.

Urinary Tract Health: Like its berry cousins (cranberries, elderberries, etc.), the blueberry has natural antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that suppress infections. They also inhibit the ability of bacteria like E. coli to stick to the walls of the urinary tract, making it easy for the body to flush them out.

In western society we continue to search for the silver bullet, the panacea, the one true way to perfect health all the while not seeing it around us. It is food. Pure, whole food delivered by nature, pre-packaged with everything we need for health, vitality and longevity. The blueberry stands as a shining example of nature’s healing power.

Blueberries – Contain carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), flavonoids (rutin, resveratrol, quercetin) and are literally bursting with high levels of phytonutrients known as anthocyanins and pterostilbenes. This potent nutrients imparts antioxidant powers greater than any other single food – making it the superhero of disease prevention. The nutrients in blueberries have been shown to improve memory and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, help prevent and suppress cancer and tumor growth, support healthy vision, improve liver function and promote healthy weight loss.

 

Blackberries – Rich in fiber and loaded with Vitamin C, blackberries have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 30 percent.

 

Red Beets – Actually considered a blue or purple food, red beets are a unique source of betalains, a phytonutrient that provides system-wide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification support. The betanin pigments in this wonderful vegetable have been shown to suppress growth of colon, stomach, nerve, lung, breast, prostate and testicular tumors.