1. They basically rewind time
Never want to grow old? We hear you, sister! Luckily all those antioxidants found in blueberries can help ease the ageing process. I mean, we’re not talking a Death Becomes Her kinda sitch, but we spoke with Results with Lucy's in-house nutritionist Louise Johnson, and she tells us: “vitamin[s] A and C found in blueberries are necessary for the health of collagen which is your skin’s support structure,” meaning that foods rich in these may help slow the development of wrinkles, bags under the eyes and sagging skin. Their water content also keeps your skin hydrated. Phew.
2. They’ve got a crazy amount of antioxidants in (which is hella good)
We know what you’re thinking. You’re been thinking “where, oh where can I find a fruit that is rich an anthocyanin, vitamins C, B, E and A, copper, selenium, zinc and iron?” I bet you never thought - nae, dreamt - you’d find such a combination. Well, worry no more because these tiny blue fruits contain the exact things you’re looking for. The. Exact. Things. Crazy!
3. They’re great fat burners
Louise tells us that the “catechins found in blueberries activate fat-burning genes in abdominal fat cells to assist with weight loss.”
As if we needed another reason to stuff a whole punnet of the things into our mouths every morning but a study at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Centre showed that candidates given powdered, freeze-dried blueberries gained sleeker physiques, less abdominal fat and lower cholesterol than those not given the blueberry powder. Don't you just love losing weight by eating?
4. They could help your memory
Are you forgetful? Misplacing your keys and the like? Blueberries can help memory loss, says Louise. They get their lush blue colour from an antioxidant called anthocyanins, which Louise says helps increase memory function.
A study done at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Centre showed that the daily consumption of wild blueberry juice on older adults with memory changes showed significant memory improvement after 12 week of participation. So as long as you remember where you've put your blueberries, you should be fine.
5. They're UTI warriors
Every girl who’s ever had a urinary tract infection knows that they are the WORST. But if you find yourself in the midst of a hellish UTI, and your local supermarket has run out of cranberry juice because everyone’s got a urine infection, apparently, just know that blueberry juice has a similar effect. Like cranberries, blueberries contain substances that will stop bacteria sticking to the bladder wall, preventing the symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
6. They can actually act as a pain killer
Louise tells us that blueberries contain salicylic acid, which is know to reduce pain and is basically a natural form of aspirin. So including these blue fellas in your diet can help to reduce chronic aches and pains. And better yet, you can’t overdose on blueberries, so eat to your heart’s content.
7. They're a good anti-inflammatory
It has also been proved, Louise says, that eating blueberries can help to reduce chronic inflammation in the body, including rheumatoid arthritis, skin problems and weight gain around the middle. However, this doesn’t mean you can eat a whole loaf of bread if you’ve eaten your daily intake of blueberries. We’re sad to say it doesn’t work like that. Major sadface.
8. They make an awesome snack
As many of you may have already noticed, blueberries are freaking delicious and what’s more, their teeny tiny size means they’re super easy to carry round with you. Louise also mentions that you can freeze them for up to a whole year. And speaking of freezing, they’re great straight out of the freezer and into a smoothie, or you can use them to shake up a simple salad, and are great on every single breakfast and dessert. You name one, they’re good on it. And as they’re crazy low in calories, there’s no excuse not to add them to anything and everything.
Do you know any other blueberry benefits? Let us know! @sofeminineUK
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