Blueberries

What benefits do blueberries have for my health?

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help our bodies function in several ways. Anthocyanins, the specific type of antioxidants in blueberries, “are what lead to decreased inflammation, improved memory, and decreased risk of some chronic diseases” (Volpe 47-48). More specifically, an Oxford Academic article shows “studies associate [blueberry intake] with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, death, and type 2 diabetes, and with improved weight maintenance and neuroprotection” (Kalt et al. 224).

 

For athletes specifically, there are several other benefits. For example, blueberries are known to “help improve recovery rates in athletes” (Poladian). It goes on to say that this may not just be from the antioxidants in the fruit, but from “interacting with the body’s own antioxidant production” (Poladian).

 

Put simply, one source has concluded that “antioxidants are key to reducing the impact of oxidative stress” because they “create a barrier or a shield around the cell to help protect it from being damaged” (“5 Health Benefits of Blueberries – Cleveland Clinic”). Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins.

“Antioxidant : Benefits, Source & Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables » How To Relief.” How To Relief, https://www.howtorelief.com/antioxidant-foods-vitamins/. Accessed 28 November 2022.

Sources:

“5 Health Benefits of Blueberries – Cleveland Clinic.” Cleveland Clinic, 27 May 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-blueberries/. Accessed 28 November 2022.

Kalt, Wilhelmina, et al. “Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins.” Advances in Nutrition, vol. 11, no. 2, 2020, pp. 224-236. academic.oup.com, https://academic.oup.com/advances/article/11/2/224/5536953. Accessed 28 November 2022.

Poladian, Charles. “Blueberries Help Improve Muscle Recovery in Athletes.” Medical Daily, 29 May 2012, https://www.medicaldaily.com/blueberries-help-improve-muscle-recovery-athletes-240610. Accessed 28 November 2022.

Volpe, Stella Lucia. “Blueberries, Health, and Exercise Performance.” ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, vol. 25, no. 3, 2021, pp. 47-48. journals.lww.com, https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Fulltext/2021/05000/Blueberries,_Health,_and_Exercise_Performance.12.aspx?context=LatestArticles. Accessed 22 November 2022.

Volpe, Stella Lucia. “Blueberries, Health, and Exercise Performance.” ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, vol. 25, no. 3, 2021, pp. 47-48. journals.lww.com, https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Fulltext/2021/05000/Blueberries,_Health,_and_Exercise_Performance.12.aspx?context=LatestArticles. Accessed 22 November 2022.

“Antioxidant : Benefits, Source & Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables » How To Relief.” How To Relief, https://www.howtorelief.com/antioxidant-foods-vitamins/. Accessed 28 November 2022.