Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Blueberries

Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Blueberries

The terms “free radicals,” and “antioxidants” are used all the time, but are you really sure what we’re talking about? Blueberries are indeed chock full of antioxidants, which are a main defense against free radicals, so let’s take a closer look at exactly what these two things are.

Blueberries and AntioxidantsFree Radicals

Free radicals are formed when oxygen interacts with certain types of molecules and results in atoms or clusters of atoms that have extra electrons, says The International Dermal Institute. These extra electrons cause the free radicals to be highly reactive towards cellular components like DNA or cell membranes. If free radicals are able to react with DNA or cell membranes, those DNA cells or cell membranes won’t function properly – they could even die off.

Free radicals are produced naturally in the body during certain processes like digestion, but the body is exposed to more free radicals than it needs with harmful UV light, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, industrial fumes and more.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that are built in a way that allows them to safely interact with those highly charged free radical molecules, says Greatist. This means that antioxidants can help stop the chain reaction before free radicals can attack important cells like DNA cells or cell membrane. Antioxidants stop free radicals from harming cells, making them harmless to our bodies. That’s why we need more antioxidants in our diet.

Antioxidants are one of the many oh-so-good-for-you things that blueberries are full of, and that’s why we’ve made it our mission to get more people interested in this delicious fruit. Not only do blueberries taste good, they’re good for your body, and their effects are just beginning to be proven through a variety of studies and research. Antioxidants and their abilities to snuff out free radicals are reason enough to toss an extra handful of blueberries in your breakfast cereal or smoothie each morning – though, of course, there’s also the taste!

For more information on Delta Blue Blueberries, or to find out how you can order some of these superfruits for yourself, contact us today!

Five Fast Facts About Blueberries

At Delta Blue Blueberries, we love blueberries – that much is obvious. We are always excited and willing to talk about our product because there are so many interesting things about the blueberry! We know that trying to eat healthy can be time consuming and costly. However, we feel that blueberries are the one super… Continue Reading

Blueberries Can Benefit Vision and Memory

Isn’t it great when you learn one of your favorite foods also provides a wide array of health benefits? Well, prepare to be excited because one of your most popular fresh and fruity summertime treats is about to get even better. Recent research has found that blueberries can offer benefits for vision and memory. Packed… Continue Reading

Could Blueberries Beat Breast Cancer?

There’s no doubt that blueberries are packed with good-for-you vitamins, minerals and nutrients that can greatly benefit your body. But scientists still aren’t finished uncovering all of the awesome health benefits that these little berries have, and every month, more and more research points to the fact that blueberries may be able to rid your… Continue Reading

Four Reasons to Drink Blueberry Juice

You may have heard talk around town that snacking on blueberries can help to improve your overall health. That’s due to these awesome little things called antioxidants, which blueberries happen to be chock full of. You can enjoy the benefit of antioxidants just the same by adding more blueberry juice to your diet, as well.… Continue Reading

Blueberries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Blueberries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress that starts as a result of injury or severe psychological shock. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thought or mood and changes in emotional reaction. Unfortunately, the intensity of PTSD symptoms often varies over time, and… Continue Reading