Blueberries Found to Help Build Stronger Bones
Blueberries may be small, but they have serious nutritional value. While the health benefits of blueberries range from weight loss to slowing aging, other research has also found that these powerful fruit are also capable of promoting bone strength, likely due to being rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. One research project led by Jin-Ran Chen suggests that blueberries may facilitate the growth of strong bones in humans as it did in lab rats.
The Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 2010 edition published results from the study demonstrating how rats fed rations with 10% free-dried blueberry powder had a 36% higher bone mass than rats who did nor receive blueberries. The bone mineral content of rats fed blueberries was also 22% higher. While the results seemed to be most prolific among young growing rats, older rats also had a 15% increase in bone mass.
More Research
A similar study done found in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that female adolescents and seniors both had increased bone strength when they consumed blueberries. Additional research has indicated that girls who eat blueberries have less calcium loss than those who do not.
While more research is still needed, the results look promising and are yet another rave for the tiny, but powerful blueberry.
Other Benefits
Blueberries, as well as many other foods, have been consumed to boost health for generations, even without any knowledge of health benefits on a scientific level. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants – specifically polyphenols and flavonoids – that are actually a threat to the medical establishment due to being so beneficial.
Polyphenols have amazing properties that have been proven to ward off a number of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and even diabetes. While antioxidants help almost every health condition, here are a few specific issues that can be protected against:
- Slow the aging process by reducing free radical damage
- Fight cancer
- Protect the heart and liver
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent coronary artery disease
If you want even greater benefits for your bones, consume other foods rich in vitamin C like oranges, kiwis, or strawberries. Vitamin C alone has been shown to provide great benefits by promoting bone strength and preventing low bone density.
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