by Scott Hayden

Created on: April 10, 2010

It's a small fruit but it packs a big nutritional punch. Blueberries are one of the best things you could eat to maintain good health. The antioxidants called anthocyanidins, which give blueberries their color, can fight various cancers, peptic ulcers and glaucoma. They also help to strengthen collagen, the ground substance of bodily tissues. The obvious advantage is that these berries will help slow the onset of aging, and keep the skin looking great. If you're not eating these, you might want to consider incorporating them into your diet.

Not only are blueberries a low calorie snack, they are filled with vital nutrients. They have vitamins A, C and E, as well as fiber, selenium and potassium. All of these are powerful antioxidants; thus, common infections like colds will be prevented. Pectin, an ingredient in jams and jellies, is also found in blueberries and it offers the benefit of preventing bile acid from becoming cancerous.

Keeping the memory in peak condition can be difficult as we get older, but this won't be problematic if a handful of blueberries are consumed regularly. It may be hard to believe that this fruit could fight a degenerative condition like Alzheimer's disease, but blueberries help to repair neuron tissues and damaged brain cells. The flavonoids play an important role in maintaining memory and cognitive function.

Advanced age is also associated with poor vision. Anthocyanidins have an amazing ability to strengthen capillaries and improve peripheral circulation. This means there will be more blood flowing in and around the eyes, which translates into improved night vision and fewer eye related irritations.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant and therefore it plays an important role in protecting fat cells from oxidative stress. Another important function of vitamin E is to shield LDL cholesterol from free radicals. The damage caused to LDL cholesterol is a proven cause of atherosclerosis, and this boosts the risk of heart disease.

A diet high in fruits and vegetables will be a sure way to shed unwanted pounds. Since they are high in fiber, blueberries will fill you up longer and the need for compulsive snacking will decrease. Put them on top of hot or cold cereals for breakfast, or eat them on their own. Constipation is another problem that will be kept at bay because of the fiber content of blueberries.

       

       

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