Blueberries Health Benefits
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Blueberries Health
Benefits and Facts - 
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Antioxidant Benefits |
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Memory Improvement / Dementia |
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Cancer Prevention and Treatment |
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Weight Loss |
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Diabetes |
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High Blood Pressure |
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Varicose Veins |
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) / Bladder Infections |
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Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses
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Sample Research studies to support the health benefits of blueberries
Memory Improvement
Weight Loss
Diabetes Prevention
High Blood Pressure
Varicose Veins
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) / Bladder Infections
In a small
study involving 9 subjects
over 12 weeks, drinking wild blueberry juice daily showed a significant
improvement in their memory performance.
The researchers suggest that blueberry contains chemicals that protect against nerve cell damage and this could prevent dementia.
The researchers suggest that blueberry contains chemicals that protect against nerve cell damage and this could prevent dementia.
Cancer Prevention
Many studies
done in lab settings and
in some animals show that blueberry extracts have the ability to stop or at
least slow down the growth of cancer cells.
Weight Loss
One study in
mice showed that adding
blueberry juice into their diet make them eat less frequently, probably
by suppressing appetite, and caused a significant weight loss.
The blueberries health benefits in promoting weight loss need to be confirmed with clinical trials.
The blueberries health benefits in promoting weight loss need to be confirmed with clinical trials.
Diabetes Prevention
In the same
research study described, the mice had a significant drop in
the blood sugar level.
High Blood Pressure
Animal studies
show that rats fed a
diet with 3% blueberries showed less oxidative stress on the kidney and
had a lower blood pressure.
For example, the DASH diet guidelines promotes eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on salt to help lower high blood pressure. It is proven to work.
For example, the DASH diet guidelines promotes eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on salt to help lower high blood pressure. It is proven to work.
Varicose Veins
One study done
in animal shows that the
anthocyanins found in blueberries prevent growth of unwanted blood
vessels, thus reducing the chance of varicose veins formation.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) / Bladder Infections
Lab
studies show that blueberries contain proanthocyanidins that promotes
urinary tract health. It is able to reduce the risk of bladder
infection by preventing the bacteria from attaching to the inside of
the bladder wall.
What's the difference between blueberry and bilberry?
Bilberry
(Vaccinium myrtillus) is
a close
relative of blueberry (Vaccinium
angustifolium). In other parts of the world, people use
the term
blueberry to describe the European plant bilberry. In the
United States, Vaccinium
myrtillus is known as bilberry.
What
are the side
effects of blueberries?
There are no
reported side effects.
What
are possible interactions and dangers of blueberries?
Diabetes
- Taking blueberry may lower blood sugar levels. Those taking
anti-diabetic medications may need to make adjustment to the dosage of their current anti-diabetic medications.
Dosage to Use
Memory Improvements
- In one clinical study, subjects
were given 1 glass of blueberry juice once daily to improve memory
function.
Dried blueberry leaves are used in a tea formulation to treat diarrhea.
Decoction - Prepare the tea by using 10 grams (2 teaspoons) of dried leaves in 250 mL (1 cup) of water. Steep for 15 minutes and drink up to 6 cups daily as needed.
Tincture - Take 5 mL up to three times daily.
Dried blueberry leaves are used in a tea formulation to treat diarrhea.
Decoction - Prepare the tea by using 10 grams (2 teaspoons) of dried leaves in 250 mL (1 cup) of water. Steep for 15 minutes and drink up to 6 cups daily as needed.
Tincture - Take 5 mL up to three times daily.
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