Blueberries are native to North America and have enjoyed great culinary popularity around the world, from Asia to the Mediterranean. It belongs to the healthy shrub family, making it cousins with the cranberry and the bilberry. The smaller shrub species are known as “low-bush blueberries,” while the larger species are known as “high-bush blueberries.” The succulent berries can be eaten freshly picked as well as added into a variety of recipes like granola, fruit salads, cereals, or smoothies. It is low in calories and makes for a perfect snack at any time of the day.
Blueberries are not only sweet, but are also nutritious and highly beneficial. It ranks as one of the berries with highest antioxidant and vitamin content, helping people attain optimum health and wellness.
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Here are some of the miraculous health benefits of blueberries:
1. Boosts immunity
Blueberries, loaded with antioxidants, strengthens the immune system by neutralizing free radicals and fighting infections. It also contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that help in keeping cough, cold, seasonal flu, and other illnesses at bay.
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2. Aids digestion
Being a rich source of fiber, blueberries prevent one from constipation, bloating, and gas. This berry, when consumed regularly, plays a key role in regulating bowel movements and the natural detoxification process.
3. Controls blood sugar levels
Packed with various antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, blueberries can help control blood sugar levels as well as other health complications that result from diabetes.
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4. Fights UTIs
Consumption of blueberries boosts your immune system, which in turn improves the functioning of the urinary bladder. Blueberries also prevent bacteria from adhering to bladder walls, which wards off and prevents urinary tract infections.
5. Boosts brain power
Blueberries contain brain-boosting nutrients like vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E as well as selenium, zinc, potassium, and copper. This makes it a great fruit for age-related memory issues, such as Parkinson’s disease, and supports healthy brain functioning.
6. Promotes a healthy heart
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Blueberries, being a rich source of fiber, removes the bad cholesterol from your body and keeps your heart healthy. It also protects your heart from various diseases, like strokes and heart attacks.
7. Keeps vision healthy: The presence of anthocyanosides in blueberries helps in preserving your vision. Blueberries prevent age-related vision problems like cataracts, myopia, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
8. Reduces belly fat
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Blueberry contains a high amount of dietary fiber, which keeps you full and satisfied. This berry is also low in calories and thus helps in reducing belly fat.
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9. Fights cancer
The presence of several minerals, phytochemicals, high amounts of vitamin C, copper, and phenolic compounds makes this berry effective in preventing the development of cancer cells. Blueberries contain ellagic acid and pterostilbene, which are essential in preventing cancer, especially in the mouth, ovaries, colon, liver, prostate, lung, stomach, and breast.
10. Prevents premature aging
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Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants, which slow down the process of aging by neutralizing free radicals in your body. Blueberries also contain anti-inflammatory properties that prevent your cells from aging and help your skin look young. The consumption of blueberries can prevent signs of premature aging like wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and dull complexion.
More specifically, blueberries are a boon for the health of your skin and hair. Here are just some of the benefits of blueberries for your skin and hair:
1. Keeps your skin healthy
The fiber present in blueberries helps in digesting and removing toxins from your skin and body, thus providing you with healthy, glowing, and nourishing skin.
2. Heals damaged skin
Free radicals in the skin causes severe skin damage, but the presence of phytochemicals and antioxidants found in blueberries helps in neutralizing these free radicals and rejuvenating your skin, making it softer and younger.
3. Heals broken capillaries
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Fine lines and wrinkles are the result of broken capillaries under the skin, which take a long time to heal. These broken capillaries may even take a few months or years to disappear. Blueberries are helpful in strengthening these blood vessels and heal the broken capillaries easily.
4. Prevents acne
Blueberries help in normalizing the oil content in your skin, and protects your skin miraculously from acne and pimple breakouts.
5. Improves hair growth
The presence of Vitamin B helps increase hair growth by improving oxygenation and circulation of blood in the body, particularly the scalp.
6. Lowers stress and cholesterol levels that affect hair growth
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Both stress and high cholesterol affects the growth of hair negatively. Blueberries are excellent anti-depressants and also help reduce cholesterol levels.
7. Slows down hair aging
Blueberries also slow down the process of hair aging and graying, enhancing your thick and healthy locks.
8. The anthocyanidin effect
The presence of anthocyanidins in blueberries helps in stimulating hair growth by interacting with hair follicles. Many shampoos use blueberry extracts to assist hair growth.
This delicious fruit can not only be ingested but is also effective for your skin when applied topically as face masks. Here are some amazing face pack ideas, featuring the blue fruits, that are too delicious not to try:
1. Blueberry and yogurt
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Make a face pack of yogurt and blended blueberries and apply it on your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with cold freshwater.
2. Blueberry and lemon mask: Make a face mask with blended blueberries, lemon juice, almonds, and powdered oats. Apply on your face for 20 minutes and wash it off with warm water.
3. For dark circles
Make a mask with aloe vera gel and crushed blueberries. Dab lightly under your eyes and remove it with lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes.
4. For smooth and nourished skin
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Make a face pack of blueberries mixed with 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and honey. Apply for 20 minutes and wash off with warm water.
5. For acne-prone skin
Make a paste of mashed blueberries, turmeric powder, and lemon juice. Apply on your face for 20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
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6. To counter aging
Make a thick paste of blended blueberries, vitamin E, olive oil, crushed oats, fuller’s earth, and honey. Apply it on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water.
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7. To tone your face
Make a mixture of steamed and crushed blueberries with plain yogurt, and blend them together into a smooth paste. Apply on your face and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.
8. For the spa
Mix 2 tablespoons each of rose water and honey, and add a few crushed blueberries along with 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth. Apply on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off with warm water.
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