Blueberries are almost a superfood among superfoods. One of the healthiest foods you can eat, blueberries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, providing a benefit to nearly every part of the body.
Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has details on four ways blueberries pack a healthy punch for the whole body.
- Antioxidant Powers
Quite simply, antioxidants help keep the body healthy and free from toxins or inflammation. Blueberries have been found to be one of the best foods at reducing inflammation, which promotes overall health. Specifically, blueberries can keep DNA healthier to slow the aging process along with lowering the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
- Increases Heart Health
Due to their ability to reduce inflammation, research shows that blueberries can help prevent arteries from hardening, which is a risk factor for a heart attack or stroke. Studies also show that eating a cup of blueberries per day improves artery function and leads to better cholesterol levels in men.
- Good Brain Food
Several studies show that blueberries can increase cognitive performance in several ways, ranging from children to the elderly. Blueberries can help with hand-eye coordination, the ability to plan, focus, and multitask, and even help with long-term retention or the ability to recall information.
- Helps With Muscle Recovery
That feeling you get after a hard workout—the soreness, stiffness, and sometimes weakness—is from muscle damage. But studies found that consuming blueberries (or other foods high in antioxidants) allows muscle strength to recover faster.
As a side note, you don’t have to eat fresh blueberries to reap these benefits. Frozen berries with no added ingredients have all the same benefits—just don’t nuke them in the microwave, as that will actually zap them of their nutrients.
To learn more about Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
