The Health Promoting Properties of Blueberries
Blueberries are an extremely nutritious berry and has been given the status of a super food for its high levels of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are certain vitamins, minerals and other plant-based chemicals that protect us from free radicals - harmful molecules that damage our cells with the potential to cause cancer, heart disease and speed up the aging process. Blueberries contain vitamin A, C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium, all of which are potent antioxidants.
Selenium has several important functions as an antioxidant. First, it helps to regenerate vitamin C, when it has become deactivated after disarming a free radical. Second, it is needed to activate the most powerful of antioxidants, glutathione, found in the body.
Vitamin C is also a key player in the immune system and is needed to protect us from viruses such as the cold and flu. As an antioxidant, it has been shown to help protect us from pollutants that we breathe into the lungs. Vitamin C is also a vital ingredient for the health of our arteries. Without it, the artery walls can become hardened and less elastic, greatly increasing the risk of developing heart disease.
Vitamin E is fat soluble and functions as an antioxidant within fat cells. It protects fat cells from free radicals which otherwise can oxidize and turn rancid. This benefits the internal organs which are surrounded by a protective layer of fat.
Selenium is a trace mineral that has antioxidant properties. It helps to rejuvenate vitamin C after it has become inactive from tackling a free radical. More importantly, it activates the production of glutathione - the most powerful of antioxidants produced in the body.
Vitamin C is fundamental for a strong immune system while also being a very powerful water soluble antioxidant. It protects proteins and carbohydrates from free radical damage as well as protecting DNA cells from becoming mutated, which can lead to cancer. Vitamin C, like the mineral selenium, raises levels of the master antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase, which is found in the body. Other benefits of vitamin C includes the production of collagen, which is needed to maintain the elasticity of our skin and our arteries. A deficiency in vitamin C can therefore lead to premature aging of the skin and the hardening of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease. - 17273
Selenium has several important functions as an antioxidant. First, it helps to regenerate vitamin C, when it has become deactivated after disarming a free radical. Second, it is needed to activate the most powerful of antioxidants, glutathione, found in the body.
Vitamin C is also a key player in the immune system and is needed to protect us from viruses such as the cold and flu. As an antioxidant, it has been shown to help protect us from pollutants that we breathe into the lungs. Vitamin C is also a vital ingredient for the health of our arteries. Without it, the artery walls can become hardened and less elastic, greatly increasing the risk of developing heart disease.
Vitamin E is fat soluble and functions as an antioxidant within fat cells. It protects fat cells from free radicals which otherwise can oxidize and turn rancid. This benefits the internal organs which are surrounded by a protective layer of fat.
Selenium is a trace mineral that has antioxidant properties. It helps to rejuvenate vitamin C after it has become inactive from tackling a free radical. More importantly, it activates the production of glutathione - the most powerful of antioxidants produced in the body.
Vitamin C is fundamental for a strong immune system while also being a very powerful water soluble antioxidant. It protects proteins and carbohydrates from free radical damage as well as protecting DNA cells from becoming mutated, which can lead to cancer. Vitamin C, like the mineral selenium, raises levels of the master antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase, which is found in the body. Other benefits of vitamin C includes the production of collagen, which is needed to maintain the elasticity of our skin and our arteries. A deficiency in vitamin C can therefore lead to premature aging of the skin and the hardening of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease. - 17273
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Hope you enjoyed the article. My name is Timothy Johnson, my interests are green living, health and nutrition. I love to write articles about these subjects to share with the world! Check out my website juicing recipe
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