Fruit has been unfairly added to the list of Foods to Avoid if You’re Diabetic. But science has shown that it can actually help heal and reverse diabetes in many people. Blueberries, in particular, prove to be powerful in lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Full of antioxidants and low in sugar, it’s no wonder blueberries are advocated as superfoods.
Blueberries Help Process Glucose
A study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center fed blueberries to rats and monitored their glucose levels and insulin response. They found that the blueberries increased insulin sensitivity in the rats, helping them metabolize glucose more efficiently.
The researchers also noticed that blood sugar levels were lower after the consumption of blueberries than before. Why? According to their findinfs, blueberries changed the genes in the rats, thus facilitating the metabolism of glucose.
Another study published in the British Medical Journal reported that people who consumed blueberries three times a week were 26% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who consumed other fruits, which only decreased the risk by 2%. That is a huge difference!
Blueberries Boost The Brain & Heart
Blueberries are known to be rich in antioxidants, compounds that protect the body against free radical damage. Polyphenols, one of the many types of antioxidant molecules, safeguard the brain from degeneration and neurotoxicity.
When combined with strawberries, blueberries help reduce the risk of heart attack by 33% according to a study published in Circulation.
Brain and heart support are crucial for diabetics as the disease often results in reduced 
cognitive functioning and heart disease.
Blueberries are small but mighty. They are delicious and easy to add to smoothies, yogurt, and even salads. Try adding them to your diet three times a week to reap the benefits!
[expand title=”References“]
Livestrong. URL Link. Accessed March 30, 2017.
BBC. URL Link. Accessed March 30, 2017.
Dr. Axe. URL Link. Accessed March 30, 2017.
The BMJ. URL Link. Accessed March 30, 2017.
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