A Boon to Your Health
What are some of the specific health benefits of blueberries? For starters, they appear to improve memory and cognitive function as you age. As a low glycemic index food, they’re also a healthy choice for dieters and Type 2 diabetics looking for a sweet snack. Blueberries contain plenty of fiber, too, which helps maintain digestive regularity. They help support healthy vision, lessen hypertension and decrease abdominal fat.

Antioxidant Heaven
You've probably heard that antioxidants are key to minimizing the process of aging and to staying healthy. What you may not know is that blueberries are one of the foods with the highest antioxidant content. If you’re able to find wild blueberries in season, count on their antioxidant activity being even better! These antioxidants include anthocyanin, which gives blueberries their deep color, as well as vitamins C, E, B complex and A. With zinc, iron, selenium and copper also present, the nutritional profile of this little berry is impressive.

Along with boosting your immunity against bacterial and viral infections, antioxidants neutralize the effect of free radicals in the body. Free radicals cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is simply the inability of cells to properly detoxify and repair damage. Free radicals are therefore key to the aging and cell damage caused by environmental stressors like air pollution and x-rays. You will also want to protect your skin from the elements with a product like DERMAdoctor DD Cream spf 30.

Your Skin will Reap the Benefits
The antioxidants in blueberries decrease cellular damage associated with aging by neutralizing free radicals. Try adding one or two cups of blueberries to your daily diet and you’ll probably notice your skin looking softer and more youthful after just a few months. The nutrients in blueberries also help counteract acne and strengthen the capillaries just beneath the skin to protect against spider veins. Blueberries also have an alkalizing effect, which means they can help prevent red, blotchy skin and other signs of inflammation that occur in an overly acidic body environment.

Blueberries for Thick, Beautiful Hair
Blueberries are great for your hair, too. Those strengthened capillaries we mentioned earlier can also be found in the scalp where they become better at nourishing hair follicles and promoting strong, healthy hair. For those worried about thinning hair, certain plant chemicals in blueberries called proanthocyanidins have even been found to stimulate hair growth!

Did I Mention They Taste Great?
Fresh blueberries are your best bet, so try adding them to smoothies, putting them on breakfast cereal, or just popping them in your mouth. If you can find wild or organic sources of blueberries, they're even better. Don't give up when the season is over, though. Frozen blueberries have been shown to retain much of their nutritional benefit, which means you have access to this miracle food any time of the year. So, enjoy your blueberries and their wonderful health and beauty benefits every day!

By Jen Mathews
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

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The information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or other professional advice.