Eating Blueberries To Fight Obesity

Can eating blueberries help in the battle against obesity? These tasty, purple orbs are often referred to as a superfruit because of their many health benefits. And no wonder. Blueberry polyphenols, natural chemicals so abundant in this fruit, are linked with a sharper memory, better vision and brain health - and a lower risk of cancer, heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Now, experts believe blueberry polyphenols could help prevent obesity too.

Eating Blueberries: Can Blueberry Polyphenols Fight Obesity?

According to a recent study carried out by a graduate student at Texas Women's University, blueberry polyphenols stop the differentiation of precursor cells into fat-storing cells called adipocytes. Most people have too many adipocytes clustered around their hips and bellies - and anything that can stop more from forming would be welcomed with open arms.

When researchers gave mice blueberry polyphenols, they had a dose-dependent effect on the production of more fat cells. Higher doses suppressed the production of new fat cells more than lower concentrations did.

It's exciting to think that blueberry polyphenols could fight obesity at the molecular level - by decreasing the number of cells that store fat. Hopefully, this study will prove "fruitful" in humans too. This type of natural solution would be safer and tastier than using prescription diet pills.

Other Health Benefits of Blueberries:

Blueberry polyphenols help reduce levels of another kind of fat - the type that clogs your arteries. Eating blueberries lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, two types of fat linked with a greater risk of heart disease. Blueberries reduce cholesterol, because they contain a phytosterol called pterostilbene that acts in the same way as cholesterol-lowering medications called fibrates.

Eating Blueberries to Fight Obesity: The Bottom Line?

You can find blueberry extract at many health food stores, but before taking such high concentrations, it's safest to see what further human studies show. Until then, enjoy eating blueberries in yogurt and in your morning breakfast cereal. Add them to fresh salads for a hint of color and lots of antioxidant power. Start your day with a blueberry smoothie, or spread 100% blueberry jelly on your whole grain toast. Puree them to make a blueberry salad dressing or a sauce for chicken.

You can buy them fresh when they're in season or in a bag in the frozen food section. Enjoy the many health benefits of blueberries.


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