By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Guest Blogger: Ginny Brandt

Blueberries are one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. They contain the highest antioxidant value of any fruit and a variety of antioxidants. They are low in calories at 85 per cup; low in glycemic index and glycemic load; yet high in fiber while containing many vitamins and minerals. Although small in matter, blueberries have six benefits that increase longevity and improve many aspects of your health.

Blueberries: Six Benefits for Longevity

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According to research, blueberries:

Improve brain function, prevent dementia and slow aging.

The high antioxidants in blueberries help neutralize free radicals that can ultimately damage your DNA. This protects your body against the aging process by slowing it down. (Thank You, Lord!) Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, a renowned neurologist at UCLA, advises his patients to eat one cup of blueberries per day. Anthocyanins give blueberries their deep blue color and reduce the risk of dementia by enhancing circulation and protecting brain cells from damage. These high-powered antioxidants also benefit aging neurons by improving cell signaling.

Prevent cancer.

According to Dr. William Li, a Harvard Medical School graduate and researcher, blueberries actually prevent blood flow to cancer tumors. They are almost as powerful as the drug Avastin which his protégé at Harvard invented. Without a blood supply to bring nutrients, cancer tumors can’t grow. https://www.ted.com/talks/william_li_can_we_eat_to_starve_cancer/transcript?language=en This cancer survivor doesn’t let a day pass without using these God-made goodies as preventive medicine.

Reduce inflammation.

The super load of antioxidants contained in blueberries can also reduce inflammation throughout the body. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/superfoods-everyone-needs#1

Depression, heart disease, dementia, cancer and many autoimmune and chronic diseases have inflammation as a root cause. The antioxidants in blueberries actually help your body repair and reduce inflammation. Any disease improves and pain is reduced when we lower inflammation.

Lower heart disease risk.

The polyphenols in blueberries may help prevent heart disease and reduce high blood pressure. They are also linked to lower levels of oxidized LDL. This protects the cholesterol in your blood from becoming damaged. The plant compounds help improve blood vessel elasticity and enhance the endothelial lining of your blood vessels which is the secret to longevity. https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/issues/10_1/current-articles/Blueberries-Found-to-Boost-Blood-Vessel-Function_1267-1.html Blueberries also contain resveratrol, which is of known benefit to the heart. Mark blueberries down as a great way to lower your risk of heart disease.

Improve insulin sensitivity.

Blueberries contain flavonoids that help improve insulin sensitivity for those who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. The bioactive compounds actually outweigh any negative impact of the 15 grams of fruit sugar contained in one cup. The manganese and vitamin C in blueberries help maintain strong bones and prevents osteoporosis.

Prevent infections and boost the immune system.

The compounds in blueberries may prevent your next UTI infection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Yes, blueberries actually contain anti-adhesives that prevent bacteria from binding to the walls of your bladder. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/6/478 Anthocyanins also help boost your overall immune function. A 2016 study noted that flavonoids play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defense system. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4863266/

Who knew the numerous benefits this precious little gift of nature provides us? Its ability to fight free radicals and limit inflammation reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. This small gift has so many advantages with little to no side effects. Since many blueberries are heavily sprayed with pesticides, I recommend purchasing them organically or locally as much as possible.

As someone who’s been through heart disease with my father-in-law, Alzheimer’s disease with my dad, and cancer with my mom, husband, and me, blueberries are now an everyday delicacy in our home. Blueberries are the nutrient-dense gift with only 15 carbs per cup that keeps on giving while increasing your longevity. As we say, a cup a day keeps many diseases at bay!

A word of caution for writers. Blueberries can stain your article or manuscript. Be careful if writing and eating at the same time. Maybe your next book title could be Secrets of Longevity from Blueberry Hill.

Thanks

Ginny

Ginny Dent Brant is a speaker and writer who grew up in the halls of power in Washington, DC. She has battled cancer, ministered around the world, and served as a counselor, educator, wellness advocate, and adjunct professor. Brant’s award-winning book, Finding True Freedom: From the White House to the World, was endorsed by Chuck Colson and featured in many TV and media interviews. Unleash Your God-Given Healing was released in May 2020 after her journey with cancer and was given a Golden Scrolls Award, named a Selah Award Finalist, and placed Second in the Director’s Choice at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. It was written with commentary by an oncologist and was featured on the 700 Club and other media. Learn more and cancer and wellness prevention blog at www.ginnybrant.com.