Have you ever noticed that the seasonal flu is more common than usual during the winter months? Many people believe that the weather conditions cause the body’s natural bacteria to multiply which, in turn, leads to more people becoming sick.
While there is some truth to this theory, there is another that suggests the season’s food might be responsible for encouraging people to put on weight. Blueberries are one such food, and apparently, they might be able to help you lose weight!
In a recently published study from the United Kingdom, researchers looked at the effects of blueberries on mice that had been fed a high-fat diet. Unsurprisingly, the study found that mice that were fed blueberries lost a significant amount of weight, and it wasn’t just because they were immune to the flu!
Another study published in 2017 from the United Kingdom found that strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries can also help to reduce weight in humans. The team, led by Dr. Fiona Matheson of Oxford University, divided 48 participants into three equal groups and had them each eat a different type of berry daily for three months. The results were staggering – those who ate the most berries lost the most weight!
So, does this mean that berries are good for you and can help to promote weight loss? The short answer is yes! However, bear in mind that the evidence for berries promoting weight loss is still being examined, and at this stage, it’s not clear what food types or how many servings you should have each day to see the best results.
How Do Blueberries Help To Promote Weight Loss?
When you eat fruit, the fiber and antioxidants contained within acts as a natural stimulator of your body’s digestive system, encouraging it to work harder and faster. Blueberries are no exception, and this is what makes them so useful in terms of helping to promote weight loss!
When you introduce berries to your diet, you’re automatically supplying your body with some natural stimulants, helping to increase your metabolism and digestion. This, in turn, will help to shed off those extra pounds!
Are There Any Side Effects From Eating Berries?
While there isn’t any harm in eating fruit in general, it’s important to remember that certain foods have been known to cause problems for some people. Some of the more common side effects from eating berries include indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration. If these symptoms persist or worsen, then it might be a good idea to consult your doctor.
In rare cases, people have had severe allergic reactions to berries, and in those situations, anaphylaxis can occur. This is a sudden and severe reaction that causes the throat to swell and close off the airways, and in some cases, it has resulted in death. Although very rare, people with allergies to berries should always carry an EpiPen, which is an injectable medication that can prevent anaphylaxis. In any event, it’s always best to be safe than sorry, and if you suspect that you might be allergic to berries, then it’s better to be sure rather than find out the hard way!
Ultimately, if you’re able to lose weight consistently without serious side effects, then it’s probably safe to assume that you’ll enjoy the benefits of berries in your diet. Just keep in mind that allergies are rare but real, and if you’re unaware of them, then it might be wise to avoid foods containing berries until you’ve had a chance to determine how you react to them. This is especially true if you have any sort of allergy, since you might experience an allergic reaction even if the food in question isn’t actually allergenic.