The food you consume daily had a great influence on health. For example, the consumption of berries was able to promote the health of women ranging from protecting the heart to prevent breast cancer.
Recent research by a team of researchers from Harvard University, evaluated data from 93,600 women participating in the Nurses Health Study II, which began in 1991. Participants were asked to report any food is consumed by writing in a journal.
From the study, researchers found that women who meet the highest intake of flavonoids and phytonutrients, have a healthier physical condition. Flavonoids and phytonutrients found in many berries that offer powerful antioxidant properties.
Here are 8 reasons why women need to eat berries for her health, as reported emaxhealth, Thursday (17/01/2013), among others:
1. Reduce the risk of heart attack
Based on research that lasted about 18 years of study, researchers found that women who meet the highest levels of anthocyanin intake, decreased risk of heart attack by 32 percent.
The findings also have taken into account other factors such as body mass index, physical activity, intake of saturated fats, alcohol and caffeine consumption, and family history of ever having a heart attack. To meet the needs of anthocyanin, consume more than 3 servings of fruit blueberries or strawberries every week.
Even the consumption of berries effectively provide protection against heart outweigh the benefits offered by other foods that contain anthocyanins, such as fruits and vegetables, such as eggplant.
2. Prevent Alzheimer's
Berries can improve brain health and memory loss, according to a study reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The content of phytonutrients in blueberries may prevent the activity in the brain associated with calcium homeostasis, which can help maintain brain health.
Berries also have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce risk factors for the degeneration of brain cells, while the blueberries themselves found to strengthen the ability of the brain to store memory. In addition, the berries can change the way brain cells communicate with each other, which in turn can help prevent cell damage.
3. Preventing breast cancer
Berries may help prevent the growth of breast cancer. The researchers conducted two separate experiments and reported that blueberries can reduce tumor size of breast cancer by 60 to 75 percent in mice. Consumption of berries can also slow the growth and spread of breast cancer in animals.
4. Preventing complications of diabetes
Researchers at Warwick Medical School recently reported that strawberry fruit extracts can activate a protein in the body which in turn promotes heart health. It is important for patients with diabetes, who are at high risk of heart disease.
Strawberries contain a flavonoid called fisetin, which can help control blood sugar spikes that can prevent the complications of diabetes.
5. Protection against colorectal cancer
Raspberries have shown some ability to protect against cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal).
6. Lose weight
Consumption of fruit juice blue berries are known to help reduce weight and promote a healthy weight.
7. Protect from asthma
A compound found in the fruit blueberries called pterostilbene able to protect against asthma.
8. Lowering Cholesterol
Blueberries and other berries contain no fat at all so it is safe for consumption, even good for lowering cholesterol levels.