Color Your Menu Blue for Better Health
By Tom Herrin
There is much to be said about colors. As people make the effort to improve their health through the things they eat and feed their families, it is often suggested that adding more color to the diet is a good thing. In vegetables, something besides white is always a good idea. Green, yellow, red, etc., all have some value when it comes to nutrition. Fruits are another thing that can enhance a menu and add those things that are often missing. Blueberries have found a more prominent place in a lot of diets today.
They Help Maintain the Brain
As more people are living longer these days, it seems that there are more instances of dementia and other brain-related problems. There are many reasons, but one is oxidative stress. It might be thought of as a sort of brain rust. Who likes rusty metal? Rusty body parts are no better. They just don’t work as well and eventually wear out and cease to work. While this may be an oversimplified example, it is not far from the facts. Blueberries are full of antioxidants that can help combat this condition, thus preserving the brain function more effectively.
They May Protect Against Aging and Cancer
One of the large determining factors regarding aging is DNA material. As this material begins to deteriorate, it loses its ability to reproduce cells. This is truly what aging is all about. The good news is this is not necessarily destined to happen as several things affect it. The high antioxidant level in blueberries can slow this process and some things can even reverse it. Since blueberries may have the highest level of antioxidants of any common fruit, consuming them may be an insurance plan against oxidative damage to the DNA material.
They May Help Against Urinary Tract Infections
Cranberries are well-known to have properties that can help fight UTI infections. Apparently blueberries have some of the same things. Taking in considerable amounts of blueberries, or their juices, may be another tool in maintaining health for those who have a tendency to have such infections. The bottom line is that adding blueberries to a diet may be an easy way to improve our overall health picture. They have a great taste and lots of uses. Keep them around, and you should have little trouble getting the family to eat them.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Redlands, Calif.