Health benefits of blueberries:
Blueberries are very low in calories. 100 g
fresh berries provide only 57 calories. However, they possess notable health
benefiting plant-nutrients such as soluble dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins,
and pigment anti-oxidants that contribute immensely towards optimum health and
wellness.
Blueberries are among the highest
anti-oxidant value fruits. The ORAC value of 100 g fresh blueberry is 5562 TE
(Trolex equivalents). Their antioxidant value largely derived from
poly-phenolic anthocyanidin compounds such as chlorogenic acid, tannins,
myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol.
In addition, these berries have other
flavonoid anti-oxidants such as carotene-β, lutein and zea-xanthin.
Altogether, the phyto-chemical compounds in
the blueberry help rid off harmful oxygen-derived free radicals from the body,
and thereby, protect the human body against cancers, aging, degenerative
diseases, and infections.
Further, research studies suggest that
chlorogenic acid in these berries help lower blood sugar levels and control
blood-glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus condition.
Fresh berries contain a small amount of
vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E. Altogether these vitamins work as potent
anti-oxidants, which help limit free radical mediated injury to the body.
The berries also contain a small amount of
B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic
acid. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin,
pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are acting as co-factors help
the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
Furthermore, they contain a good amount of
minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc. Potassium is an
important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate
and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the
antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required for the production
of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation.
Dr.S.Senthil Karunakaran,
M.D(Siddha)
AVIZTHAM SIDDHA HOSPITAL
No 6, Mounasamy Mutt Street,
Ambattur O.T, Chennai – 53
Contact no: 9444403023
Email; drkarunakaran@gmail.com
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