We have a riddle for you: what’s sweet, nutritious, extremely popular, and often labeled as a superfood? Okay, that may be a trick question because it encompasses a lot of things, but in this case, we are specifically talking about blueberries!
We all want to do whatever we can to keep our bodies as healthy as possible. We want to eat right, engage in physical activities, and participate in activities that boost our overall health. Blueberries are one of the many nutrient-rich foods that have quickly gained popularity in the health and wellness world because they offer a variety of benefits.
This sweet and juicy bite-sized fruit is already a summer favorite for many of us, but do you know exactly how good they are for you? Let’s find out together by taking a closer look at this amazing fruit.
What Nutrients Are In Blueberries?
These small but mighty berries are arguably the healthiest fruit out there. A standard serving of blueberries contains only 65 calories, 15 grams of carbs, and less naturally occurring sugar than most other fruits. Calorie for calorie, these nutrient-rich berries are a fantastic source of many vital nutrients.
Antioxidants
Blueberries have been touted as one of the most antioxidant-rich foods out there. In fact, in a study done on over 3500 foods, herbs, and spices, blueberries ranked high on the list. But what exactly are antioxidants?
In a nutshell, they are substances that help to neutralize unstable molecules known as free radicals. This is important because free radicals can cause damage to your cells, which ultimately leads to cell degeneration. This can accelerate the aging process and damage your heart, brain, and other organs. When you eat a diet rich in antioxidants, you provide your body with the tools it needs to combat the harmful effects of free radicals. There are a number of vital nutrients that also serve as antioxidants, and blueberries are rich in two of the most common ones—vitamin C and manganese.
Fiber
Blueberries are also great for your digestive health, thanks to their high fiber content. Fiber not only helps keep your digestive tract moving smoothly, but it also leaves you feeling full which can help prevent overeating. It is also great for helping to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is one of the many vital nutrients that isn’t often talked about. This important vitamin plays a key role in preventing excessive bleeding by helping your blood clot properly. Needless to say, it’s important to make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin K from your diet, which blueberries can help you do.
Potassium
Potassium is an important mineral that your organs need in order to function properly. It is often considered an electrolyte, and it plays an important role in bodily functions like brain activity and central nervous system communication. However, the human body does not naturally produce potassium. This means that you need to be sure that you are getting it from the foods you consume. With around 100 mg of potassium per serving, blueberries are a great way to help ensure you are getting enough of this essential mineral from your diet.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
With so many important nutrients, blueberries have a lot of potential when it comes to your health. Here are just a few of the benefits you could reap when you enjoy them regularly.
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Promotes Healthy Aging: With their high antioxidant content, blueberries are a fantastic way to help make sure your body has the tools it needs to neutralize free radicals. As a result, you’ll naturally be slowing down the aging process, making you less likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles early on in life.
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Protects Cholesterol from Damage: In addition to all the nutrients we just discussed, blueberries also contain bioactive compounds known as phytosterols. Research has shown that phytosterols, which are similar to the body’s cholesterol, can decrease the amount of cholesterol absorbed into your bloodstream, ultimately helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
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Boosts Gut Health: The fiber in blueberries not only helps to keep your digestive tract running smoothly but also acts as a prebiotic that helps promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut microbiome.
- Supports Brain Health: Your brain is the powerhouse that runs the rest of your body. If it is not functioning properly, nearly every other part of your body will feel the effects. Thanks to the many nutrients and antioxidants they contain, blueberries are a great food to help nourish and protect your brain so it remains in tip-top shape.
Bonus: Add Some Blueberries To Your Diet!
The beauty of fruits and vegetables is that you can have them in different types of meals. Blueberries are no exception. Here are some of our favorite ways to add blueberries to your meal plan.
- Add blueberries into your smoothies: As you add other ingredients to your blender, don’t forget to add a half cup or even a full cup of blueberries. It will give your smoothies a little extra sweetness as well as a boost of nutrients.
- Use sliced or whole blueberries in a salad: You can top any salad with these bite-sized fruits. Slice them and add them to your favorite salad recipe to give it a healthy nutritional boost.
- Make jam or pastries: If you are looking for unique ways to include blueberries in your diet, try making your own homemade jam to put on bread or pastries. If you enjoy baking, you may also consider adding them to your next batch of cookies or muffins.
- Have them as a snack: Sometimes, the old-school way is the best way. Keep some blueberries on hand and break them out for a healthy snack during the day. This is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Harness the Power of Blueberries with Renew
Blueberries are truly a superfood and you can harness their amazing benefits by adding them to your diet or getting them from a supplement like Renew. This powerful formula combines the power of wild blueberries with other superfoods like green tea and organic Wild Microalgae™ to nourish your body and help you slow down the hands of time.
The best part? You can put it to the test risk-free with our 60-day money-back guarantee.