And a HEAP more health benefits from this high-antioxidant superfood!
By: Jack Riess Co-author of the best-sellers: The Hip Fix, The Back Fix, Perfect Posture.
This ONE Low Carb Snack Can Boost Your Health, Ward off Alzheimer’s, Help You Lose Weight AND Keep You Young!
You’ve seen them in pancakes, muffins, in salads, and desserts, and of course, smoothies! I am talking about the ubiquitous blueberry—both fresh and dried. While their juice seems to get all the praise, blueberries themselves are a superb nibble!
What’s so unique about these often underestimated little gems?
Blueberries contain the same wholesome antioxidants that blueberry juice has. In fact, they are packed with anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid with strong antioxidant effects. This antioxidant is anti-inflammatory and low glycemic, making them an extremely healthy, low carb snack option.
Blueberries’ vast collection of antioxidants not only help fight disease, but they also actively combat cancer, heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, and even aid in reversing aging! Blueberries even boost blood levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that’s critical to our health because of its ability to recycle other antioxidants. And they are the perfect Keto/low glycemic snack!
We already know that people who consume blueberry juice regularly, especially in place of other sugary drinks, have much lower rates of heart disease, but did you know they also have lower rates of atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and asthma? Those same health benefits of blueberry juice transfer directly to blueberries themselves.
Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the fantastic health benefits of blueberries:
Reduces Oxidation of LDL
Studies on blueberry juice and atherosclerosis reveal that the LDL cholesterol particles (the bad cholesterol) in the body, that contain the antioxidants of blueberries are less likely to become oxidized. Since it is the oxidized cholesterol that is harmful and sticks to blood vessel walls, it’s the oxidation we want to avoid.
Aron PM, Kennedy JA. Flavan-3-ols: nature, occurrence and biological activity. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008.
Significantly Improves Lipid Profile
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition reported that a daily cup of blueberries added to an otherwise unchanged diet resulted in significant drops in total, and LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, subject’s ratio of HDL:LDL greatly improved; they ended up with higher amounts of protective HDL in relationship to the lowered amounts of dangerous LDL cholesterol.
Basu A, Du M, Leyva MJ, et al. Blueberries decrease cardiovascular risk factors in obese men and women with metabolic syndrome. J Nutr. 2010.
Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
A highly significant study published in the Annals of Neurology showed that regular intake of blueberries protected memory and learning ability, and reduced the formation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain—which are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA, et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem. 2010.
Helps Prevent Breast Cancer
Blueberries may reduce breast cancer risk, suggests a laboratory study published in the Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology. The antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to suppress the growth of breast cancer tumors.
Aiyer HS, Warri AM, Woode DR, et al. Influence of berry polyphenols on receptor signaling and cell-death pathways: implications for breast cancer prevention. J Agric Food Chem. 2012.
Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Studies in diabetic patients have shown that consuming blueberries or blueberry juice helped to lower overall blood glucose levels. A lower glycemic diet with plenty of blueberries helps to lower triglycerides, a key component in heart disease.
Stull AJ, Cash KC, Johnson WD, et al. Bioactives in blueberries improve insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant men and women. J Nutr. 2010.
Anti-Inflammatory
Regular consumption of blueberries has been associated with lower rates of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, because the antioxidants in blueberries help the body produce anti-inflammatory substances. By reducing inflammation, these antioxidants can help reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms, and may prevent or reduce the severity of asthma.
Khalid S, Barfoot KL, May G, et al. Effects of acute blueberry flavonoids on mood in children and young adults. Nutrients. 2017.
Aids in Weight Management
Feasting on blueberries, high in fiber and low in calories, can contribute to weight loss and help maintain a healthy weight. These tiny powerhouses are also low in fat, making them a guilt-free, nutrient-packed snack that keeps you full for longer periods.
According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, the intake of flavonoid-rich foods like blueberries is inversely associated with weight gain, meaning they can play a crucial role in weight management strategies.
Speaking of weight loss, did you know that nearly 70% of adults in the U.S. are either overweight or obese, and many of them don’t even realize it? Shockingly, current estimates show that about 160 million Americans are either obese or overweight.
Weight gain is often a precursor to numerous health issues, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, both overweight and obesity conditions are 100% reversible with this new “Reverse Muchy” cannabinoid.
Using this rare cannabinoid while also adopting the right strategies, including a balanced diet rich in superfoods like blueberries, can not only aid in weight loss but also contribute significantly to overall health and wellness.
Have I Caught Your Interest Yet?
While blueberries are often consumed fresh or dried, they also make a delicious addition to various dishes and drinks. Blueberries are rich in vitamins C and K, manganese, and other antioxidants (notably anthocyanins), which are slightly lower in blueberry juice than in the berries themselves.
Grab a handful of blueberries from the fruit bowl or incorporate them into your meals and smoothies. They are a perfect alternative to high carb, starchy, sugary snacks and a delightful way to keep yourself healthy!
Incorporate this antioxidant-rich superfood into your diet and reap the multitude of health benefits they offer. Just like olives, blueberries are a testament to the fact that good things often come in small packages!
