There are so many health benefits to eating blueberries, and now you can thank your friendly neighborhood berries for another reason! Scientists have discovered that the tiny little fruits are actually helping with weight loss. We’ll tell you more about this amazing discovery, and how you can start incorporating more blueberries into your diet to boost your health and shed some pounds as well.
Why Are Blueberries So Good For Your Health?
It starts with the antioxidants. These are nutrients that act as tiny body guards in your fleshy self. They’re so good at protecting your organs and cells from damage that it is actually worthwhile to eat them. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals in your body, molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. Free radicals are not harmful in and of themselves, but they can lead to health problems. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables with high antioxidant content is critical for maintaining good health.
The next reason why blueberries are so good for your health is because of the phytochemicals. These are chemicals that come from plants and are good for your health. The best part is that, unlike many other health benefits, you don’t need to spend a huge sum of money on expensive supplements to enjoy these. Blueberries are a great source of phytochemicals, and you’ll find a wide variety of them in every bite.
How Can Eating Blueberries Help With Weight Loss?
Let’s start from the beginning. The human body is composed of all sorts of cells, tissues, and organs. Sometimes these can get out of balance, leading to a host of problems that none of us would want to experience. Owing to this, the human body needs a variety of foods in order to function properly. Different foods contain vital nutrients that help keep our bodies in good condition. Fruits are generally acknowledged to be among the best sources of nutrients, and who wouldn’t agree? Blueberries are a great source of nutrients as well, especially antioxidants and vitamin C, which are powerful weapons in the war against cancer and aging, not to mention the common cold.
One of the best things about blueberries is how easy they make it to incorporate them into your diet. Simply slice them, sprinkle them on your breakfast cereal, or add them to your favorite smoothie. The options are endless, and if you want to get fancy, you can make your own fruit muffins or cakes. There’s no reason not to start enjoying the benefits of blueberries as soon as possible!
The Science Behind Blueberries And Weight Loss
Now that you know what makes the berries so good for your health, let’s take a quick moment to discuss the science behind this extraordinary discovery. In a study conducted at the University of Scranton, participants were divided into two groups. Everyone in the group was fed the same meal, which consisted of blueberries, oatmeal, and Greek yogurt. However, one group was also given access to an extra 884 calories by way of a chocolate cake. After 12 weeks of monitoring the results, the researchers found that the group that ate the cake lost a total of 4.7 pounds, while those who ate the berries only lost 2.5 pounds, showing that berries are indeed more effective in weight loss than cake, which has 290 calories per slice.
Another similar study was conducted at Loma Linda University, where participants were also divided into two groups. One group was given a daily cookie, while the other group was given access to a 450-calorie fruit cup. After 12 weeks of monitoring the results, it was found that the group that ate the cookies lost 4.5 pounds, while those who ate the fruit lost 2.5 pounds. These studies clearly show that blueberries can help you lose weight, but they also prove that it’s not just about the calories you consume, but also about what you eat!
Do Blueberries Help With Specific Problems?
While blueberries are very effective in general in helping you lose weight, there are some specific problems that they can help you with. One of the most promising areas of research is in cancer prevention. There are several studies that suggest that blueberries can reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including prostate, liver, and pancreatic cancer. The exact mechanism behind this is not known, but it is believed to be related to the high concentration of antioxidants found in blueberries. The antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals in our bodies, which can in turn lead to cell damage and premature aging. In addition, the phytochemicals in blueberries can also help inhibit tumor growth and spread by hindering the formation of new blood vessels within the tumors.
Blueberries can also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Scientists at the University of Scranton conducted a study and found that women who ate the most blueberries had a 47 percent lower risk of getting the disease, compared to those who ate the least.
There’s also some evidence that suggests that blueberries can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The fruit has a high concentration of phytochemicals, and these are molecules that can cross the blood-brain barrier, entering the brain and protecting it from harm. In one study, rats that were treated with blueberry extract showed a 70 percent reduction in brain inflammation and improved memory and learning.
There’s also some evidence that shows that blueberries can help prevent asthma. The antioxidants within the fruit help neutralize free radicals in the body, the very molecules that cause damage and are responsible for various types of diseases. Free radicals are molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. This is why antioxidants are so valuable, and why eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is critical to good health.
How Do You Eat Blueberries?
Now that you know the health advantages of the brightly colored berry, it’s time for you to start making healthier choices and incorporate more blueberries into your diet. Start by simply choosing lower-calorie foods and avoiding those that are high in sugar. Instead, eat more fruits and vegetables, and avoid foods with added fats and processed ingredients. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a keystone to good health, and it will help you lose weight as well!
When you incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, you will automatically increase the amount of antioxidants in your body. These are molecules that can help protect you from the damage that free radicals do, especially in your prostate, liver, and colon. The sky is the limit as far as what you can do with more fruits and vegetables, so go for it!
What Are The Healthiest Ways To Eat Blueberries?
To follow the best diet for your health, it’s important to understand which are the healthiest ways to eat the berries. There are several ways to eat them, and each one has its perks! First of all, you can eat them plain, or you can add some other ingredients to them. Some great options are cinnamon or walnuts. You can also make a healthy smoothie, or add the fruit to your morning cereal. Alternatively, you can bake some fresh fruit pies or tarts, or eat them plain out of hand. Blueberries are versatile, and they can be easily incorporated into several dishes, proving that this fruit is a real crowd-pleaser! You can also make your own juice blends using different fruits, and add some blueberries to the mix for an extra boost of nutrition! Not a fan of juice? No problem! You can also eat the fruit in whole or in part, depending on what kind of effects you’re after. Do you want to lose weight? Eat the fruit. Do you want to improve your mental health? Try some of the smoothie recipes out there!
If you’re new to this healthy eating trend, just take it easy at first. Start by incorporating more vegetables and fruits into your diet, and avoid adding too much sugar. This will dramatically reduce the amount of calories you consume, while giving you the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle!