By: Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor and a Holistic Nutritionist
Blueberry powder is a potent antioxidant for heath, brain health and more...
Blueberries are the berries from the Vaccinium angustifolium plant, indigenous to North America and Europe. For centuries they have been enjoyed for their taste and as more scientific evidence grows, they are also enjoyed medicinally and are considered a superfruit that's available as blueberry powder.
This powder is made from freeze-dried blueberries which are then made into a powder.
Found in most health stores, this supplement is a convenient way to enjoy the health benefits of blueberries.
Blueberries are much more concentrated in powdered form. One tablespoon of Blueberry powder equals ½ cup of fresh blueberries. As such it's more cost-effective to buy this supplement than fresh berries. And the shelf life is much longer.
This supplement is high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and fibre. Many of the health benefits are related to the purple pigment which is high in antioxidants
Its health benefits include cardiovascular health, brain health, blood sugar regulation and urinary tract infections.
Because blueberry powder is also low on the Glycemic index and is a source of fibre, it's a great way to help balance blood sugar in cases of Diabetes, high blood glucose and insulin resistance.
One of the most popular reasons to use this supplement is it helps with brain function – specifically, with age-related memory loss and dementia. Both human and animal studies also show it helps improve memory, coordination, and learning.
ORAC – Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity is a scale measuring the ability of a food or nutrient to absorb and neutralize oxidative damaging free radicals. Blueberry powder ranks high on this scale making it beneficial to cognitive and vascular health. By binding and neutralizing chemicals, toxins and oxidized fats, it can protect your heart, brain and arterial system and reduce the formation of plaques.
The antioxidants responsible for its high ORAC value are called flavonoids , specifically anthocyanins. It's these anthocyanins that give Blueberry powder its indigo-purple colour. Laboratory studies suggest that anthocyanins may help prevent degenerative diseases, including unhealthy cell growth, heart disease, stroke, and memory loss. Anthocyanins also have been shown in laboratory studies to inhibit the growth of unhealthy cell growth in the colon.
This supplement is high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant protecting your heart health. Vitamin C is also involved with tissue healing, and immune function, and supports hormone health.
Studies show Blueberry powder may even lower blood pressure. It also has a chemical compound called Stilbenes which is shown to lower negative LDL cholesterol levels. So Blueberry powder is an overall great addition to your diet for cardiovascular health.
Another great reason to take Blueberry powder is it helps prevent urinary tract infections. Similar to cranberry, Blueberry powder contains flavonoids that prevent the binding of infectious bacteria to your urinary tract, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth. Plus Blueberry powder lowers blood sugar and can feed these infection-causing organisms.
This supplement is easy and convenient to use. Simply add it to shakes, tea, almond milk, hot cereal, baked goods, yogurt or a glass of juice or water. Follow dosing directions on the label or as recommended by your health care practitioner.
Those who are allergic to blueberries should not take these supplements. To ensure you purchase a high-quality product that's made with clean and potent ingredients, speak to a knowledgeable team member at your preferred natural health food store.
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