Many of us like to add blueberries into breakfast cereal or yogurt; these little berries not only add extra flavour to our breakfast cereal, but they are also little powerhouses that offer many health benefits that far exceed their tiny size.
Blueberries are rich in proanthocyanidin, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and other antioxidants that contributes to its numerous health benefits. It is one of the highest antioxidant foods in the world and consuming just one cup of blueberries provides nutrients like pterostilbene, gallic acid, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese and fibre.
Out of all the nutritional components of blueberries, pterostilbene, although unheard of by many, stands out for a few reasons. Pterostilbene is classified as a compound called phytoalexins that protect plants from attack by bacteria or fungi. Pterostilbene is the cousin of resveratrol – found in grapes, but pterostilbene has superior bioavailability – of 80% whereas resveratrol is 20% – and a seven times longer half-life. In a way, it is more effective as it gets to where the body needs.
Pterostilbene, extracted from blueberries, acts as a powerful antioxidant. It promotes longevity as antioxidants are our best friend to keep Father Time at arms’ length by reversing damage done by toxins or free radicals.
Pterostilbene also aids in the rejuvenation of brain cells with its antioxidant and soothing properties. It can protect our brain cells from degeneration, neurotoxicity and oxidative stress, and also supports motor function and cognitive abilities in adults suffering from any memory changes.
Various studies have also found that consuming blueberries or more spefically, ingesting pterostilbene, supports healthy blood sugar levels by encouraging the body’s natural production of insulin. Blueberries are also good for heart health as they are known to regulate cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure naturally.
Blueberries are indeed great addition to any meal and great news is that pterostilbene is now readily available as an ingredient in dietary supplements – which provides the health benefits of cartons of blueberries in just a single capsule.
