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Anti-Cancer Foods: Blueberries Uses & Benefits

4 weeks ago

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Did you know blueberries are one of the few naturally blue foods available? The pigment which provides blueberries their distinct color ¾, known as anthocyanin ¾, is also responsible for the blueberry's amazing health benefits.

Blueberries have dropped from the basket on an old wooden table.

Did you know blueberries are one of the few naturally blue foods available? The pigment which provides blueberries their distinct color ¾ is known as anthocyanin ¾. It is also responsible for the blueberry’s amazing health benefits.

What Are Blueberries?

Blueberries are popular North American native fruit. They belong to the genus Vaccinium’s Cyanococcus section and grow on bushes. Blueberries can be any color, ranging from blue to purple.

They are one of the most popular berries in the world and are available in different forms, from fresh to frozen, dried, or processed into jams and syrups. Blueberries are succulent, healthy, and have a sweet flavor.

What Are The Uses Of Blueberries?

They are usually eaten fresh, but they can also be frozen or dried. Additionally, they can be juiced or pureed and used in a range of consumer products, including jams, jellies, pies, cakes, snack foods, and pancakes.

They are delicious on their own as a snack or as part of breakfast dishes such as yogurt parfaits, pancakes, smoothies, muffins, and more.

Traditional herbal textbooks state that tea prepared from blueberry leaves is beneficial for treating diabetes, UTIs, and poor appetite.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Blueberries?

Blueberries contain various vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, including kaempferol, myricetin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and a flavonoid called anthocyanin.

They have been found to protect from heart disease, diabetes, and urinary tract infections and can support the maintenance of healthy blood pressure, strong bones, and mental well-being. They also contain high levels of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and other nutrients that can help boost the immune system and improve overall health.

Additionally, they are low in calories and fat, which can help with weight management. Eating blueberries on a regular basis is an easy way to get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal health.

Because of their high fiber content, blueberries can help keep your digestive system on track and facilitate regular bowel movements.

What Makes Blueberries An Anti-Cancer Food?

Blueberries are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, particularly vitamins C and A, as well as a variety of phytonutrients, which may assist in protecting cells from potential harm caused by disease-causing free radicals.

According to research, antioxidants may limit tumor growth, reduce inflammation, and help prevent or slow the progression of esophageal, mouth, lung, endometrial, pharynx, prostate, pancreatic, and colon cancers.

Additionally, various studies published in PubMed at different times demonstrate that blueberries effectively improve cell antioxidant protection against DNA damage and thus can stop cancer cells from proliferation.

Another study revealed that blueberries’ anthocyanins and their corresponding anthocyanin-pyruvic acid adducts have anticancer effects, prevent cancer cell growth, and function as chemoinhibitors and cell anti-invasive agents.