Blueberries+A+Fountain+of+Health

=Health Benefits of Blueberries=

Ever tasted a Blueberry? Liked its tangy taste? Yes? Then you will like them more once you finish reading this stuff. Before we proceed, let me give you a short introduction of Blue Berries, for those who have never tasted or saw one and also for those who know them well.

Blueberry is a fruit belonging to Vaccinium family with two well known types. First one is the wild or the low-bush Blueberry bearing the scientific name ‘vaccinium angustifolium’ and the second one, the ‘vaccinium corymbosum’, is commonly known as the cultivated or the high-bush Blueberry. There is one more type but that is not so well known. Its scientific name is ‘vaccinium pallidum’.
 * Ailments, causes and healing effect of Blueberries:**
 * **Aging:** Leaving aside the genetic factor, for which there is no apparent solution, if we consider the effect of free radicals on aging, then Blueberries bring you the brightest ray of hope, for they are laden with anti oxidants and rank number 1 in the world of anti oxidants. This is mainly due to presence of Anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the blue color of the blue berries. The abundance of vitamin-C is also a big factor for this as well.
 * **Urinary Tract Infection:** The building of colonies of certain bacteria like b-coli along the lining of the inner walls of urinary tract is responsible for this infection, resulting in inflammation, burning sensation during in passage of urine and other complications. Here, Blueberries can be surprisingly beneficial. It has a compound formed of big polymer like heavy molecules which inhibits the growth of such bacteria. It also has some anti biotic properties which adds to this effect. These heavy and big molecules almost wash-off these bacteria along the tract, thereby preventing the infection. So far, this compound is found only in Cranberries and Blueberries
 * **Eye Care & Macular Degeneration:** Blueberry is one of the best alternatives for spectacles, contact-lenses, eye-drops, medicines and eye surgeries. They can prevent or delay all age related ocular problems like macular degeneration, cataract, myopia and hypermetropia, dryness and infections, particularly those pertaining to retina, due to their anti-oxidant properties. Macular degeneration is a serious problem where the retina of the eye degenerate gradually, ultimately leading to complete or partial blindness. No! I am certainly not telling you to put them in your eyes. Instead, you can just do well eating them. Blueberries contain a special group of anti oxidants called Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin etc.), Flavonoids (like rutin, resveritrol, quercetin etc.), in addition to others such as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A, selenium, zinc and phosphorus, which are very beneficial and essential for the ocular health.
 * **Brain Function, Memory & Alzheimer’s disease:** Again, the anti oxidative properties of Blueberries. The anthocyanin, the selenium, the vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, the zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese etc., among others, can prevent and heal neurotic disorders by preventing degeneration and death of neurons, brain-cells and also by restoring health of the central nervous system. It is hard to believe that these berries can also cure serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent. They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues and keep your memory sharp for a long-long time.
 * **Constipation & Digestion:** While roughage (fiber) in Blue Berries keep away constipation (Of course, a single piece alone will not do. You need to eat a big handful of them), the vitamins, sodium, copper, fructose and acids improve digestion.
 * **Cancer:** Blueberries can prove to be bliss for the cancer patients, for they contain certain compounds like Pterostilbene (excellent remedy for colon and liver cancer) and Ellagic Acid which, in harmony with Anthocyanin and other anti oxidants like vitamin-C and copper, can do miracles to prevent and cure cancer.
 * **Heart Disease:** The high fiber content, those brilliant anti oxidants and the ability to dissolve the ‘bad cholesterol’ make the Blueberry an ideal dietary supplement to cure many heart diseases. It also strengthens the cardiac muscles.
 * **Immunity:** Blueberries, being very rich in anti oxidants like Anthocyanin, vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper (a very effective immune builder and anti-bacterial), selenium, zinc, iron (promotes immunity by raising haemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood) etc. boost up your immune system and prevent infections. Once your immunity is strong, you won’t catch colds, fever, pox and all such nasty viral and bacterial communicable diseases.
 * **Other benefits & facts:** They keep you fresh, active, fit, sharp, close to nature and in a good mood, as they are very good anti depressants. You also need not spend a lot on medicines, neither are there any side effects. Here, there is an interesting thing to know. The deeper the color of the Blueberries, the more they are rich in anti oxidants and other medicinal values.

So, eat them until your tongue turns blue and live a healthy long life.

This article was contributed by Aparup Mukherjee. Source: Organic Facts