Healthy bites: Blueberries

Blueberries – what could be better?

Sprinkled over muesli or whipped up in a smoothie, there's no denying the deliciousness of blueberries.

The health benefits

Here are three reasons why blueberries deserve their place on the plate of a balanced diet:

1. Slim snack

If you’re trying to lose weight or keep it off, blueberries should be on your shopping list.

According to a study by the University in Denton, polyphenols in blueberries could help fend off the development of fat cells. Another study, by the University of Michigan, found that blueberry intake positively affected genes related to fat-burning and storage and could help reduce belly fat.

2. Fights stress

If you feel stressed, snack on blueberries. Researchers from the Louisiana State University have found that blueberries could be used to help treat post-traumatic stress.

3. Protects the heart

A study by Florida State University found that eating just one cup of blueberries a day reduces blood pressure and prevents arterial stiffness. High blood pressure and arterial stiffness are both of linked to heart disease, which kills more people in South Africa than all the cancers combined. 

Fresh or frozen?

Whether you eat fresh blueberries or buy them frozen, you’ll still going to benefit from the addition of this superfood in your diet. If you can only get your hands on frozen blueberries, you can relax. Research by South Dakota State University found that freezing blueberries actually improves the availability of those healthy antioxidants.

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