Anti Aging Properties of Blueberries

Blueberries are delicious, but did you know that the anti-aging properties of blueberries prevent a specific kind of cellular damage that leads to aging? Anti aging blueberries also are rich in phytochemicals--micronutrients found only in plants. The phytochemicals found in blueberries are help beneficial substances pass in and out of cell membranes easily, thus reducing the possibility of chronic inflammatory illnesses like arthritis, heart disease, and stroke. Because phytochemicals help to regulate cellular function, they also appear to help reduce the likelihood of cancer.

The anti-aging properties of blueberries come from their role in slowing down a process called ‘oxidative stress’. The process by which cells convert oxygen into energy is called cellular oxidation. When cellular oxidation happens too fast or too intensely (due to poor diet, lack of exercise, environmental toxins, or illness), toxic byproducts called ‘free radicals’ are produced. Free radicals released into the bloodstream cause tissue damage and cellular death. The process during which excessive production of free radicals begins to damage the body at the cellular level is called ‘oxidative stress’. Oxidative stress is in turn known to be one of the primary causes of aging in human beings.

In several recent studies, animals that were fed a diet with blueberry extract showed significantly less oxidative stress after six weeks than animals that were fed spinach or strawberry extract, and even less oxidative stress than animals that got no dietary plant supplements at all. Nutritionists have known for some time that brightly colored fruits and vegetables all contain high levels of vitamins and minerals that are good for human metabolism, but it is only recently that science has discovered the precise mechanisms by which these same foods slow down the aging process. Understanding the process has allowed science to specify the most powerful anti aging foods, and blueberries are one of these foods.

In addition to the anti aging properties of blueberries, the popular fruit is also high in vitamin C and is a good source of dietary fiber, which is known to prevent colon cancer. Most Americans do not get anything remotely close to the 27 grams of dietary fiber recommended daily for optimal digestive health. A single cup of blueberries contains 5 full grams of soluble dietary fiber, or about 18% of the minimum daily requirement.

The anti-aging properties of blueberries are not difficult to tap. A handful of blueberries on cereal in the morning or as a snack in the afternoon will yield the maximum benefit of this amazing little fruit. Blueberries freeze well in bulk and are also delicious in muffins, pies, desserts, fruit salads, jams, and sauces. As the anti aging benefits of a variety of fruits and berries become more well known, more and more juice drinks are coming on the market that combine blueberry, pomegranate, acai, and other anti-aging fruits all in one convenient product.

When purchasing juices that include anti aging blueberries, make sure blueberries are one of the first five ingredients listed, and avoid juices with a high sugar content or that contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, both of which counteract the positive effects of the antioxidants provided by the fruits.

Related links:

Anti Aging Foods: Look and Feel Younger with the Foods You Eat

Anti-aging Properties of Acai Berry Juice