Blueberries

Blueberries are refreshing, thirst quenching and deliciously sweet, but it’s not only the taste sensation that makes these little beauties so universally well-loved: they’re also incredibly beneficial to your health and well being.

Brain food
Studies have shown that blueberries improve brain function and may help combat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as helping to heal damaged brain cells. They also improve memory and help us to retain things we’ve learned. That’s one smart little berry!

A fountain of youth
Who hasn’t wished for a magic elixir to keep them young? Well, wish no more and get eating some blueberries as they help to combat the free radicals which make us age quicker.

Softer skin
Free radicals also wreak havoc on the skin, damaging cells and leaving us looking pallid and unhealthy. Blueberries neutralize free radicals, leaving you with soft, glowing skin.

Spending a penny
If you find you’re nipping to the loo more often than usual you may have a urinary tract infection. Blueberries contain medical antioxidant compounds that can inhibit the bacteria that cause infection, helping you maintain a healthy bladder.

High in vitamins                  
Blueberries are absolutely packed with the good stuff that keeps you healthy: vitamins A, C, E and B complex; selenium, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese and anthocyanins. They truly are a super fruit.

Seeing things
Blueberries can help to protect you from age-related vision disorders such as cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. They contain anthocyanins which reduce eye strain and vision loss, and keep your retina healthy.

Lose those extra pounds
The anthocyanins found in blueberries can help to speed up metabolism, which will give you a head start in losing those extra pounds. You know how weight that fell off when you were 20 was hard to shift at 30? Well, blueberries will turn back the clock a little and help you slim down.

Healthy heart
Blueberries are chock full of fibre and antioxidants, both of which will help dissolve the bad cholesterol in your system which can narrow your arteries and lead to a heart attack or heart disease.

A common problem
Constipation affects many people, but it’s a problem that can often be solved by eating a high fibre diet. One cup of blueberries will provide you with about 15% of your recommended daily fibre intake and help things move a little more smoothly!

Beat cancer
Blueberries are full of Vitamin C, copper and phenolic compounds which make up the antioxidant army that can help to suppress cancer cells, and have been found to be especially good at fighting colon, liver and ovarian cancer.

As with everything, blueberries are only part of the solution. An active lifestyle and healthy diet are also required to help fight off any nasties, but adding this little blue wonder to your shopping list will certainly help.