What happens if you eat blueberries everyday?
If you already eat blueberries every day or are considering doing this as a a part of your diet, you may be wondering whether there are any health benefits. We take a look at the many health benefits of blueberries, and whether there are any risk factors of consuming blueberries on a daily basis.
Are Blueberries good to eat everyday?
To answer whether blueberries are good to eat everyday, we first need to look at whether blueberries good for you full stop.
Benefits of Blueberries
Antioxidants - This fruit has gained its superfood status due to the high level of antioxidants in blueberries. In fact, out of all fruits, blueberries contain one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which can cause damage to the body.
Blood Pressure - Blueberries can be heroes if you're experiencing high blood pressure or are looking to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. Studies have shown blueberries to also improve the functionality of blood vessels. This combined helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and other heart health problems.
Type 2 Diabetes - Due to their fibre content, Blueberries can be a great addition to your diet, as fibre is a key player in the regulation and control of blood sugar. If you're looking to find the right foods to eat as a prediabetic or diabetic, we would recommend you speak to a registered dietitian.
Low in Calories - One cup of blueberries contains roughly just 80 calories. By swapping sugary snacks and sweets with blueberries, you can reduce your daily calorie intake significantly.
Can you eat too many blueberries?
Can it sometimes be bad to eat blueberries everyday? The answer depends on the individual, and how many you're eating. Below are some side effects of eating too many blueberries;
Gastrointestinal Problems - Particularly if you don't usually eat high-fibre foods, eating too many blueberries can cause some unpleasant issues including bloating, diarrhoea and gas. It's recommended to slowly increase your fibre intake over time so your body can adjust, rather than jumping into a high-fibre diet overnight.
Blueberries can stain your teeth! - Due to that gorgeous blue/purple colour, eating too many blueberries can discolour tooth enamel and white fillings. You should also be careful to avoid blueberries after any whitening treatment. If you're keen to keep your pearly whites from changing colour, perhaps a daily intake of blueberries isn't for you.
Risk of blood clots - This is a greater risk for those taking blood thinning medication, but due to the high levels of vitamin K in blueberries, this can hinder the regulation of blood clotting and bone density if taken in high amounts. If you are on blood thinning medication, be sure to speak to a doctor about how many fruits and vegetables you should be taking a day.
If you've never had blueberries before, keep an eye out for any side effects, such as rashes or headaches, as this can be a sign of an intolerance or allergy.
So, is eating Blueberries every day good for you?
The short answer is yes, but in moderate amounts. A cup of blueberries a day for most should do no harm, and you'll be able to benefit from a low calorie snack high in vitamin C, K and fibre. Do be careful not to over consumer if you have existing issues surrounding diabetes, blood health, and digestion.
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