Tag Archives: blueberries

What to know about blueberries and health – AHA

Let’s not beat around the bush: Blueberries are good for you according to the American Heart Association.

This will come as no surprise to many Americans, who have found their thrill with blueberries in ever-rising numbers. It’s easy to understand why. Not only do they taste great, but studies keep suggesting more reasons to embrace them.

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“They’re the kind of things we should be eating,” said Eric Decker, professor of food science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “But sometimes these things get overpromised.”

Vaguely defined terms such as “superfood” get used a lot with blueberries, whose popularity has been fueled by careful marketing. “Anytime you start talking about ‘superfoods’ and ‘super fruits,’ it’s probably a little overexaggerated,” Decker said.

But there’s no need to start singing the blues.

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Diets rich in blueberries yield diverse benefits

A collection of new studies in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences further quantifies how blueberry consumption can contribute to healthy aging.

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“Since the 1990s, research on the health benefits of blueberries has grown exponentially,” wrote guest editor Donald K. Ingram, PhD, FGSA, in an opening editorial. “Studies have documented that this fruit ranks highest in antioxidant activity compared to many other popular fruits. Moreover, other mechanisms for the health benefits of blueberries, such as their anti-inflammatory properties, have been identified.”

Ingram’s editorial is followed by four articles in a special section of the journal’s Biological Sciences section. One of the studies found that consuming 200 grams of blueberries (about one cup) daily can improve blood vessel function and decrease systolic blood pressure. As the cause, the authors cited anthocyanins, which are phytochemicals that give blueberries their dark color.

Other studies document the cognitive benefits of eating blueberries. One tied the fruit’s high polyphenol count to improved performance on memory tests by a group of older adults. Likewise, another journal article provides a review of several clinical studies focusing on benefits of blueberry supplementation — with a focus on specific memory effects in children as well as older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

The journal collection also includes a rodent study, which presents data on the improved memory performance of blueberry-supplemented aged rats compared to rats on a control diet.

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10 Top brain power foods

I don’t know if these really will increase your brain power, but I don’t see any harm in letting you know about them.

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Please let me know if you have any experience with these.To my knowledge they are all excellent foods nutritionally.

Tony

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Blueberries could help fight Alzheimer’s – ACS

The living longer phrase in my Diet, Exercise and Living Longer title assumes that one has his mental faculties intact. Having seen first hand the scourge of dementia, I don’t want any part of that if I can help it. Exercise is super for combating cognitive problems. Check out my Page – Important facts about your brain – (and exercise benefits) to learn more.

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The blueberry, already labeled a ‘super fruit’ for its power to potentially lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, also could be another weapon in the war against Alzheimer’s disease. New research being presented today further bolsters this idea, which is being tested by many teams. The fruit is loaded with healthful antioxidants, and these substances could help prevent the devastating effects of this increasingly common form of dementia, scientists report.

The researchers presented their work at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS. It featured more than 12,500 presentations on a wide range of science topics. Continue reading

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How to fight Triskaidekaphobia

I wrote this for the Friday the 13th in January. Thought you might like it.

Tony

Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger

Feeling blue on Friday the 13th? Perhaps you are triskaidecaphobic, which is to say, fearful of Friday the 13th.

Wikipedia says, “Triskaidekaphobia (from Greektris meaning “3”, kai meaning “and”, deka meaning “10” and phobos meaning “fear” or “morbid fear”) is fear of the number 13 and avoidance to use it; it is a superstition and related to the specific fear of the 13th person at the Last Supper being Judas, who was said to have stabbed Jesus Christ in the back (metaphorically). It is also a reason for the fear of Friday the 13th.”

The publication Environmental Nutrition offers the following 5 foods that are super nutritious and might bring you good luck at least in terms of your general health.

Amazing avocados, is their first offering. “Ounce for ounce, they contain more blood-pressure lowering potassium than bananas. Avocados are rich in good-for-you monounsaturated fats, and…

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How to fight Triskaidekaphobia

Feeling blue on Friday the 13th? Perhaps you are triskaidecaphobic, which is to say, fearful of Friday the 13th.

Wikipedia says, “Triskaidekaphobia (from Greek tris meaning “3”, kai meaning “and”, deka meaning “10” and phobos meaning “fear” or “morbid fear”) is fear of the number 13 and avoidance to use it; it is a superstition and related to the specific fear of the 13th person at the Last Supper being Judas, who was said to have stabbed Jesus Christ in the back (metaphorically). It is also a reason for the fear of Friday the 13th.”

The publication Environmental Nutrition offers the following 5 foods that are super nutritious and might bring you good luck at least in terms of your general health.

Amazing avocados, is their first offering. “Ounce for ounce, they contain more blood-pressure lowering potassium than bananas. Avocados are rich in good-for-you monounsaturated fats, and cholesterole-lowering beta-sitosterol and cancer-protective glutathione, along with Vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6 and fiber.”

Brain-boosting blueberries come in second. “These little blue marvels are the antioxidant leaders, plump and nearly 4 grams of fiber per cup and a good dose of vitamin C. They also have cancer-protective ellagic acid, and may boost your brain health and vision.”

Anti-cancer Brazil nuts come in third. “This hearty tree nut is a ‘trigger food’ that may cause cancer cells to self-destruct. It’s a super source of selenium, a promising anti-cancer trace mineral that also promotes DNA repair and boosts immunity. Just two medium nuts contain enough selenium to perhaps reduce the incidence of prostate, colon and lung cancers.”

Good old Broccoli is number four. “Here’s an easy way to get two cancer-blockers that modify natural estrogens into less damaging forms and increase the activity of enzymes that fight carcinogens. Aim for three servings a week of broccoli or its cruciferous cousins.”

Number five is Butternut Squash. “This tasty fruit (yes, fruit) is an exceptional source of beta-carotene, the antiooxidant tyour body converts to vitamin A. But it’s also an overlooked source of bone-building calcium.”

So, look on the bright side and focus on the great nutritional benefits you can derive from these five super foods and forget about the fact that today is Friday the 13th. Just don’t walk under any ladders.

Tony

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11 Super Foods to Add to Your Diet

What I like about this list of super foods is that they look and sound like anything but super. Sometimes in our quest for good nutrition we overlook really good quality for exotic berries and concoctions. Clearly we can do very well by looking right in our own back yard.

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My only quibble with this list is that in includes olive oil, but leaves off coconut oil. Please check out my Page – Coconut Oil – Why You Should Include it in Your Diet for more on this superb food.

Tony

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Four Foods That Can Help You to Lose Weight – Infographic

Getting control of your weight depends on a lot of variables. How much, when and what you eat are all relevant. Here are four that you can count on.

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How Healthy are Blueberries? – Infographic

One of the things to keep in mind about blueberries is that they are as healthy frozen as fresh, so you don’t need to wait for them to get ‘in season.’

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High Fiber Foods – Infographic

I love this utterly simple infographic. Nice reminder of how good for us some of these good-tasting foods are.

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10 Foods to Eat at Least Once a Week – Infographic

In case you didn’t know it. Here are 10 really great foods that you should include in your diet. Luckily, they happen to taste great, too. So, we aren’t talking hardship of any kind here.

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Tony

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14 Foods That Fuel Your Brain – Infographic

Because I have both Alzheimer’s and dementia in my family, I am very sensitive to all things relating to the brain. Please check out my Page – Important Facts About Your Brain to learn more.

Brain-Foods-Infographic

I have posted separately on Avocado, Blueberries, Chia Seeds Quinoa and Nuts. Click the links from more information.

Tony

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What are the Best Foods for my Brain? – Infographic

Anything that benefits the brain is important to me because of the dementia in my family. Besides these five foods, don’t forget that cardiovascular exercise has powerful positive effects on the brain. Check out my Page Important Facts About Your Brain (and Exercise Benefits) for much more on this subject.

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Check out the following posts for more details:
Six reasons you should eat pumpkin seeds year ’round, What are some super snacks under 100 calories? Fresh avocado enhances absorption of essential nutrients, What About Krispy Kreme vs. an Avocado? New Research: Avocados May Improve Satiety and Reduce Snacking, Chicken Avocado Sandwich – Mr. Lazy Cook, Are Avocados Good For You?

Tony

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Freezing Blueberries Improves Antioxidant Availability

Since blueberries are frozen soon after they are picked, “they are equal in quality to fresh,” Plumb explains. She analyzed the anthocyanin content of blueberries frozen for one, three, and five months and found no decrease in antioxidants over fresh berries.

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Blueberries pack a powerful antioxidant punch, whether eaten fresh or from the freezer, according to South Dakota State University graduate Marin Plumb.

Anthocyanins, a group of antioxidant compounds, are responsible for the color in blueberries, she explains. Since most of the color is in the skin, freezing the blueberries actually improves the availability of the antioxidants.

The food science major from Rapid City, who received her bachelor’s degree in December, did her research as part of an honors program independent study project.

“Blueberries go head to head with strawberries and pomegranates in antioxidant capacity,” says professor Basil Dalaly, Plumb’s research adviser. In addition, blueberries are second only to strawberries, in terms of the fruits Americans prefer.

Blueberries are beneficial for the nervous system and brain, cardiovascular system, eyes, and urinary tract, Dalaly explains. “Some claim it’s the world’s healthiest food.”

The United States produces nearly 84% of the world’s cultivated…

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How Healthy are Blueberries? – Infographic

In a few words, blueberries are very healthy. Blueberries benefit our cardiovascular health, brain health, insulin response and reduce our risk of getting cancer.

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Tony

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Seven Super Foods to Help You Live Longer – Infographic

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Type chia seeds, blueberries and coconut oil into the SEARCH box to read further posts on them.

Tony

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