Blueberries May Have a Special Place on the Menu
By Tom Herrin
Getting the most out of what we eat is important. Most people want to eat healthy, but sometimes it ends there. Follow-through is what may separate the serious from the dabbler; that is, those who really want to make a commitment to better health and those who think it’s a good idea but too much trouble to incorporate it into everyday life. Blueberries seem to have been a hot topic in the last few years due to their many benefits.
They May Help Prevent Cancer and Slow Aging
Blueberries have received plenty of attention for their antioxidant content. Aging is often a result of damage to the DNA materials. These materials undergo a lot of changes due to the damage they incur from daily life. These materials eventually give way to the abuse and wear down. The old thoughts about someone dying of old age is really about these DNA materials wearing out. As they do, the body is no longer able to reproduce healthy cells as it replaces them. In one study, participants had 20 percent less damage to these materials after regular consumption of blueberries.
They May Lower Blood Pressure
Consumption of blueberries has shown considerable promise in reducing blood pressure among individuals who have high blood pressure. One study with people who were obese and had high blood pressure showed a 4-6 percent reduction in blood pressure after taking in 1.7 ounces of blueberries per day for eight weeks. Other studies have good results as well. This could head off heart problems for many people since so many of those problems are related to consistently high blood pressure
They May Be Good for the Brain
Oxidation is trouble for our health in many ways. Oxidative stress can have serious effects on the brain by increasing the aging process. This is a real concern for many of us. The increased incidents of various kinds of dementia and other brain-related health problems seem to almost have become a national epidemic. It is true that some of this may be due to fact that more people have been living longer, but some of it is also likely caused be diet and lifestyle. In studies, the antioxidants in blueberries seem to go to areas of the brain that are critical for intelligence. Some people have shown improvements in markers in the brain after a few weeks of consuming blueberries. All of the facts are not in, but it is worth considering.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kennesaw, Ga.