Blueberry season is almost coming and guess what? Eating blueberries will help you age backwards. Because this sweet, flare-crowned, indigo super-fruit is more than just a mouth-watering delight to your craving senses. Would you believe that this favourite has a wide range of micro-nutrients that do not only protect the body from diseases, but also aging?
Blueberries Have a High Antioxidant Value
Blueberries, along with blackberries, strawberries, and plums, have the highest total antioxidant capacity of any food. It is being regarded as one of the “superfuits” having the promising combination of nutrient value, emerging research evidence for health benefits, versatility for manufacturing popular consumer products, and antioxidant strength.
Eating blueberries will help you age backwards because antioxidants are thought to aid in guarding the body against the detrimental effects of free radicals to cells. And in turn, the chronic diseases associated with the course of aging. The antioxidants present in this fruit can protect the cell, so there is less chance for aging. Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants. With this, the effects of blueberries to the skin are copious.
Blueberries Have Neuron Protection
The compound anthocyanin, found in blueberries, is thought to slow down age-related loss in the mental capacity of humans. Those who eat more blueberries are thought to have better functioning in motor behavioral learning and memory. Anthocyanin also gives blueberries their colour and might be the key factor of the blueberry’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While it is thought that aging can decrease cognitive and motor functions, blueberries can be of huge help to improve mental functioning.
Blueberries Improve Your Balance and Coordination
Blueberries also have positive effects to balance and coordination. In a study by Dr. James Joseph of Tufts University, it was found that a diet loaded with blueberries counteracted poor balance and coordination associated with aging. In this study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Joseph fed four groups of rats a normal diet. But among these groups were given blueberries, spinach, or strawberries.
For 18 weeks, the rats were tested for mental functioning, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. The two groups which were fed with strawberry and blueberry extracts performed well on these tests, but the group fed with blueberries executed the most improvement.
Not only that, findings also showed that blueberries improved the neuronal functioning of the rats. Dr. Joseph suspects the findings are a result of blueberries’ rich store of flavonoids — phytochemicals that have an effect on cell membranes. These findings suggest that nutritional intervention can offer hope to those suffering poor balance and coordination related to aging.
Blueberries Aid in the Prevention of Diseases
A serving of blueberries provides a relatively low glycemic load while providing a diverse range of nutrients, which also means there are fewer calories (good news for calorie-watchers) in a serving full of phytochemicals and nutrients such as iron, vitamins C and E. Because of the phytochemicals present, the risk of acquiring some deadly diseases may also be prevented.
Anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and tannins found in this wonderful fruit may help prevent cancer by inhibiting some cancer mechanisms. These components protect the DNA from damage and disintegration caused by free radicals.
At a symposium on berry health benefits, there have been reports that eating blueberries and other similar fruits like cranberries may improve the cognitive deterioration occurring in Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions of aging. Blueberries may help lower the damages of stroke.
Researches have also shown that blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI), hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia that can also lead to potentially fatal heart disease.
So now that you know how eating blueberries will help you age backwards – with blueberries, your tongue, and more importantly your health would get the best out of it. Well, even without all these benefits in mind, who wouldn’t die for a serving of blueberries? Hmmmm… Anyone?
Staying Young – Beyond Blueberries
The fact is, the quest for a youthful appearance has always been part of the aging process. We don’t mind living a long and fulfilling life… as long as nobody can get our age! Call it vanity, but it is the biggest dilemma in life. We want to grow old, but we don’t want to show it.
Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with going grey or letting the thin lines underneath our eyes showcase our wisdom. What is a source of worry for many women is the fear that showing your age could make you somehow less relevant in everyday’s life. Unfortunately, when it comes to shaving years off your appearance, the scalpel is the most popular and effective solution. But is it?
Can you maintain a youthful attitude naturally? The answer is yes. You can appear much younger than you are, despite grey roots and thin lines around the eyes. Here’s why changing your attitude to aging can change your look.
Choose products that deliver results
As your skin ages, it requires different care and products to tackle new challenges. A good anti aging skin care routine needs to include minerals and vitamins that help your skin stay healthy. Ultimately, it isn’t just a matter of reducing wrinkles. The appropriate skin care ensures your skin remains healthy at all ages.
In other words, you want to choose products that can reduce the issues you face now. The fragile skin around your eyes needs protection and care. Additionally, prolonged sun exposure can increase pigmentation and dryness complaints. Therefore, you also need to focus on SPF lotions.
Maintain a youthful shape
Sure, your body has changed a lot since you were a teen. However, most people tend to associate curvier silhouettes with old age. Consequently, maintaining a healthy weight can help to create a youthful look. Simple tips such as keeping up with a fitness routine and avoiding obvious diet killers can go a long way.
Not only can a healthy weight make you appear younger, but it also preserves your health. Health complaints that develop as part of the aging process are typically linked to fluctuating weight and lack of fitness. So, looking after your body is the key to youthful health too!
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