It is not a last generation detergent for washing dishes, but its effect is similar: it removes grease. In this case, that of the body, which is what favors the onset of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It is the blueberry, a fruit that, like other berries, can be used for much more than complementing pastry recipes. Its properties make it a superhero since, in addition to reducing fat, it helps destroy microbes, fight infections and prevent the formation of tumors. Don't you dare to eat it?
Blueberry, ally to fight fat
Polyphenols in blueberries slow down fatty tissues
You may be wondering: "How is it that such a small fruit can be so beneficial to health?" The answer lies in chemical compounds that are very abundant in blueberries and many other fruits called polyphenols. Their contributions to health have been the subject of study and the results of the same presented at a congress of Experimental Biology of the American Nutrition Society, held in Washington, United States.
The researchers observed that the effect of polyphenols at the molecular level reduced the differentiation of unspecialized cells into adipocytes (fat cells). In other words: they slowed the formation of fatty tissue.
One of the most promising aspects of this work is that the more polyphenols, the greater the effects. Thus, the lowest dose produced a reduction of only 27% in fat content, but this percentage rose to 73% when the highest ratio was applied. However, those responsible for the study warn that the results are still preliminary and it is necessary to confirm its effects in humans.
The power of blueberries to fight fat was already known, as well as what polyphenols represent, but it is not yet known exactly how it is produced, what dosage is recommended or which people can benefit the most.
Other properties of blueberries
Blueberries contain antioxidants:
Nutrition specialists are very aware of the preventive role of these plant components. They claim that eating blueberries reduces the oxidation that occurs in the body through metabolic processes, which leads to the aging of cells. In people with metabolic problems (diabetes, hypertension, obesity), this progressive deterioration is much more pronounced, which is why experts recommend including a series of foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, in the diet. It is paradoxical that despite its virtues, its consumption is not very widespread. Eat them fresh, juiced and add them to desserts, mixed with plain yogurt and even as a special touch in salads.
Should we ingest them in greater quantity?
Most nutritionists believe that it makes no sense to obsess over foods that become fashionable after studies illustrating their benefits. It is much more important to try to eat a balanced diet that is high in fresh vegetables and fruits. Experts add that polyphenols are a large family and are present in almost all berries and red fruits.
Blueberry smoothie
- 2 Cups of blueberries
- 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds (hemp)
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of organic cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of pure abjeas honey or coconut sugar
- 1 cup of ice
- 2 cups of water or coconut water
Place all the ingredients in the blender and blend until you get a smoothie.
Here's an interesting factor about why blueberries are so high in antioxidants: They have thin rinds. Thin-walled fruits tend to have higher antioxidants, since they need a higher amount of these to protect themselves from the environment.
Keep that in mind the next time you go grocery shopping. The interesting thing is that the properties of these substances are increased by joining other compounds such as vitamin C, present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, turnips, potatoes (potatoes), sweet potatoes (sweet potato), strawberries and melon (known as cantaloupe in English), or the carotenes that you will find in carrots, squash, mangoes, apples and peaches (peaches), as well as green leafy vegetables. Both vitamin C and carotenes also act as antioxidants. The benefits of blueberries are not limited to fighting fat, but also act by fighting microbes and preventing the formation of tumors. And besides, they are delicious!
Blood travels from the heart in arteries, which branch into smaller and smaller vessels, eventually becoming arterioles. Arterioles connect with even smaller blood vessels called capillaries. Through the thin walls of the capillaries, oxygen and nutrients pass from blood into tissues, and waste products pass from tissues into blood. From the capillaries, blood passes into venules, then into veins to return to the heart.