Blueberries are a powerful anti-aging food

Blueberries are a powerhouse

Blueberries are considered a superfood because they are loaded with vitamins A, B, and C, plus minerals, and antioxidants. One of the most important components in blueberries is anthocyanins, a compound shown to slow age-related damage to the brain cells and also limit the ability of free radicals to cause cellular damage.

If you are an adult over the age of 40 it is being advised that you eat blueberries every day. This will improve memory and also slow down the appearance of wrinkles. The Mayo Clinic reveals that eating blueberries can prevent serious health issues such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.

Research reveals interesting facts

According to The New York Times, a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals something interesting. Elderly rats who were fed at least half a cup of blueberries daily exhibited the following; improvement in short-term memory, balance, and coordination. Scientists believe the antioxidants in blueberries protect the body against ''oxidative stress,'' which happens to be one of several biological processes that are responsible for aging.

I have no idea how they studied the rodents short term memory, but I will take the professionals word that they did. This will be good news for older individuals who may be dealing with issues related to memory and balance. Losing one’s balance is a reason many aging individuals are fall risks, Who knew that something as simple as eating blueberries could make afoifetrnce in falling and having memory loss. A lot of older people say they can tell you what happened 50 years ago, but have trouble with short term memory, such as recalling why they walked into a room.

Eat up

Blueberries can be eaten in many forms. I don’t particularly like them by themselves but I love them with strawberries and sometimes whipped cream. I know people who bake blueberry pies and cobblers. If you are skeptical about the anti-aging properties of this super fruit here is more confirmation. Barbara Shukitt-Hale, is a co-author of a study done at the Agriculture Department's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. She is quoted as saying that people ''are told that once you're old, there's nothing you can do.'' But, she said, ''That might not be true.'' This is great news for those who desire to grow old. gracefully while slowing down the hands of time. Not everyone has the money or desire for cosmetic procedures. Eating blueberries I’d easy and inexpensive. It also poses no risk.

Blueberry yogurt packs a double punch of nutrition because both blueberries and yogurt have properties that fight urinary tract and vaginal infections. If you are prone to one or both of these issues, it would be wise to add blueberry yogurt to your diet several times a week. You can also find blueberry yogurt mixed with other fruits. Livestrong reveals that blueberry yogurt is low in calories, and aids in digestion. This powerful combination is rich in fiber and protein which help you feel full longer. Blueberries contain a high concentration of antioxidants, which prevent free radicals from causing damage to your cells.

By including more antioxidant rich foods in your diet you may be protecting yourself from certain cancers, as well as heart disease. The probiotics in yogurt improve absorption of certain minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium. The probiotics also enhance your immune system by regulating antibodies as well as white blood cells. In addition to all of these healthy benefits, blueberry yogurt is just plain delicious.

Add blueberries to your favorite smoothie and enjoy the rich smooth taste. If you are not sure how to make your own at home, there are a number of recipes you can try. The vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, fiber, and phytonutrient content in blueberries supports a healthy heart. The absence of cholesterol from blueberries is also beneficial for heart health. The fiber content assists in decreasing the total amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream and reduce the risk of coronary disease. Consider adding blueberries to your diet and receive the healthy benefits to your mind and body.

BLUEBERRY FACE MASK

You can also use the power of blueberries by adding them to your homemade face scrubs or masks. You may also purchase ready made formulas online. I often scoop a little bit of blueberry yogurt from the container before eating it and apply it to my face.