You can’t cure the common cold,
but you can shorten the duration of symptoms with vitamin C. Blueberries
contain high amounts of vitamin C. Blueberry smoothies provide a good
way to boost that nutrient when mixed with other natural fruit juices.
Substances in blueberries also have antiviral properties shown to reduce
the risk of the flu. Although you should see your doctor if you have
the flu or lingering cold, blueberry smoothies may help you feel better
while recovering from illness.
Ease Congestion
Drinking
plenty of liquids, including water and juice, helps loosen congestion
and prevents dehydration when you have a cold. Taking vitamin C may not
prevent colds, but consuming vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms
may shorten the time you suffer symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com.
Blueberries have rich vitamin C content. The berries also contain
antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and may help you fight
off colds.
Boosting Smoothie Nutrition
Both
frozen berries and fresh berries have equal nutrition, according to
Nancy Correa-Matos of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the
University of North Florida. However, storage and freezing berries may
cause a loss of some nutrients. Correa-Matos recommends boosting vitamin
C lost in frozen blueberries by mixing the blueberries with fresh
citrus juice in a smoothie. Aside from vitamin C and antioxidants,
blueberries also provide you with plenty of vitamin E, dietary fiber,
magnesium, calcium, zinc, vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids for heart
health. Zinc may have benefits in fighting a cold, MayoClinic.com notes.
Reduce Flu Risk
A
substance called quercetin, found in blueberries as well as other
fruits and vegetables, may help reduce the likelihood of getting the
flu, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of "AJP
Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology." The study analyzed
the effects of quercetin feedings on the influenza virus in mice
following stressful exercise. Quercetin may work effectively to prevent
susceptibility to infection associated with stressful exercise. The
researchers note that previous studies on humans show quercetin helps
reduce illnesses following exhaustive exercise.
Tasty and Healthy Smoothies
A
blueberry smoothie may also help your taste buds during a cold. For a
healthy mixture to help ward off symptoms of a cold and provide
protection from the flu, add low-fat milk, nonfat plain yogurt, frozen,
unsweetened blueberries and a little bit of honey into a blender. Dr.
Joel Fuhrman, a physician and nutritional researcher, recommends a
blueberry and flax smoothie to help boost your immune system. Include
fresh or frozen blueberries along with soy milk, flax seeds and dates,
mixing them in a blender.
No comments:
Post a Comment