Dried European blueberries were originally used as an unique ingredient in ice creams and shakes, but over time they have become part of many other delicious dishes.
They are often used in place of raisins, dates, and prunes in various baked goods. Delicious and especially healthy, these fruits have four times the vitamin C of oranges and twice the antioxidants of blueberries.
European blueberries are also high in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and potassium (twice the amount of potassium as bananas). They are also full of anthocyanins, which are said to help fight various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, joint inflammation, eye strain, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and cancer. Like most other blueberries, dried European blueberries also have a rejuvenating effect.
Here are some of the most important benefits of dried European blueberries:
1. Dried European blueberries help fight cancer - according to a study by researchers from Hungary, Italy and the United States, dried European blueberries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants are useful for the prevention and control of various diseases by stabilizing the imbalance of oxidative and antioxidant factors in the body.
The focus of the study was on the effect of the skin of dried blueberries on cancer cells. Dried blueberries extracts are also considered a good anti-cancer agent in the fight against breast and endometrial cancer cells.
2. Dried European blueberries are full of dietary fiber - it has been proven that dietary fiber plays a crucial role in increasing good cholesterol and reducing bad cholesterol in the body, while reducing the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and stroke.
Consuming a cup of dried European blueberries a day is equivalent to approximately 40% of the daily fiber intake required by a healthy adult with a diet of about 2, 000 calories per day.
Dried European blueberries are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. While soluble fiber helps you stay away from chronic diseases like diabetes, insoluble fiber regulates bowel movements and can prevent digestive disorders.
3. Dried European blueberries are good for bone health - dried European blueberries contain high amounts of minerals like potassium, manganese, and copper, which are extremely beneficial for bones.
Manganese helps in the production of bone tissue, while potassium promotes the growth, development, and maintenance of bone health. Copper also keeps our bones strong, and its deficiency can lead to higher chances of fractures, especially in older people.
Consuming European blueberries could help you reduce your risk of bone problems like joint inflammation, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
4. Dried European blueberries reduce the risk of diabetes - The anthocyanins in European blueberries, which help fight cancer cells, also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to a study published in "Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, " anthocyanins are polyphenolic compounds most commonly found in dark-colored fruits, vegetables, and grains.
The study shows that consuming more anthocyanins reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications by increasing the body's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, improving insulin resistance, and lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
5. Dried European blueberries hydrate your eyes - If you suffer from dry eyes, it is advisable to consume dried European blueberries regularly. According to a clinical study, people who received a supplement of 300 mg of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) daily for a short period of time noticed significant improvement and relief of dry eye symptoms.
6. Dried European blueberries help you look younger - One cup of dried European blueberries contains 367 mg of copper, which is about 37% of the daily dose needed by an adult. Copper not only promotes the absorption of iron, but also helps in the production of collagen - one of the main building blocks of our connective tissues. Collagen is responsible for keeping skin, hair, bones and muscles in good shape.
Copper also helps the body use its energy efficiently and prevents damage to cellular tissues and DNA cells by free radical compounds.
Adequate intake of copper prevents osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, thyroid problems and anemia. It also helps the skin remain more elastic and wrinkle-free, making you look younger.
If you love blueberries, be sure to try our recipes for blueberry muffins or this gorgeous blueberry pie.
Also learn how to dry blueberries and how you can freeze blueberries.
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