Blueberries: Highly Recommended, But Effective?
Blueberries are highly recommended foods both to prevent and treat urinary infections, improve the health of the cardiovascular system and other issues. Now, are they really as effective as they appear to be? Could a handful of these fruits protect us from disease and improve our health?
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties have been attributed to them and the potential of their nutrients has been widely discussed, to the point that there is the hypothesis that extracts and other compounds from this fruit could be useful to improve various types of treatment.
To clear up some doubts and resolve concerns, here is a review of blueberries, based on scientific evidence.
What is really known about blueberries?
Blueberries are fruits rich in fiber, vitamin C (which has antioxidant action) and other nutrients such as: potassium, iron and calcium (which fulfill various functions in the body). They also contain a wide variety of phytonutrients, such as proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, triterpenoids, and flavonoids.
Its content in proanthocyanidins is what has made these fruits so popular as supposed protectors of urinary infections and, specifically, the adhesion of the Escherichia coli bacteria .
However, the evidence provided by the studies carried out indicates that it is necessary to delve further into this aspect, since the results of the child samples are far from coinciding with the samples in adults. In the same way, the size of these samples is insufficient to determine the validity of blueberries in the treatment of urinary infections.
This means that the information available is not enough, and therefore, it does not allow making statements about whether blueberries are effective against the bacteria that may be behind certain infections. However, this is not to say that the idea that they might be useful has been discounted.
It remains to specify more about its mechanisms of action and scope. Therefore, these fruits cannot be credited as valid for treating urinary infections.
Take them regularly, but always within a healthy lifestyle
However, the consumption of blueberries within a healthy diet can be very beneficial for health in general, as with many other fruits. Therefore, they can be included in the diet whenever desired (unless the doctor, due to temporary circumstances, indicates otherwise).
To prevent or treat urinary tract infections, it is best to rely on a healthy lifestyle, rather than just eating blueberries. These, although they have promising potential and help to supplement the diet, are not “magic bullets”.
As the experts from the Spanish Heart Foundation well point out: “it is not about gorging oneself on these fruits and leaving aside other essential aspects of a healthy lifestyle.”
Myths about the benefits of consuming blueberries
The consumption of blueberries (whole, in juice, in smoothies, etc.):
- It does NOT “boost”, boost, or improve immune system functions or help prevent colds, colds, or the flu on its own. Although according to various studies it is a food very rich in antioxidants, there is no scientific evidence to support its supposed protective work against these diseases. On the other hand, it has been observed that it helps improve health in a comprehensive way.
- It also doesn’t “fight” cystitis on its own. To combat it, the most appropriate thing is to follow the antibiotic treatment prescribed by the doctor, drink plenty of water and maintain good lifestyle habits.
- Blueberries are definitely NOT a substitute for chemotherapy. Although multiple investigations affirm that it could neutralize nitrites and accelerate and increase the synthesis of connective proteins, vitamin C is not a valid alternative to any type of cancer treatment.
- They DO NOT help to “eliminate toxins”, but they can help to supplement a healthy diet, satisfy the appetite and control the anxiety to eat, among other issues.
What to watch out for about blueberries?
Taking a handful of blueberries a day or with some regularity is not going to protect you from urinary infections and, if you have any, it is not going to help you improve the picture on its own. Keep in mind that what is most convenient is to always support a healthy lifestyle and follow the doctor’s instructions.
If you decide to take blueberries regularly in your diet, do so because they are generally beneficial fruits for you, due to their fiber, vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content, and combine them with other alternatives.
They are delicious naturally, but you can enjoy them in many other ways. The key to obtaining its benefits is to always prioritize its natural presentation.
