Blueberries, a Handful of Health [Infographic]

Blueberries:  Superfood, Superfruit, Health Benefits

Blueberries:  A Superfood

There are lots of reasons to love blueberries - one of nature's miracle foods that is at top of every power food, superfoods and superfruits list!

And with good reason: these miniature berries are a nutritional powerhouse that are thought to provide many important health benefits.

Blueberries are also smart choice of individuals on a diet.  They are full of flavor and satisfy a craving for sweets, yet a whole cup only has about 80 calories and contains virtually no fat. As such, blueberries may aid in the weight loss or healthy weight maintenance process.

Infographic

This infographic entitled "Blueberries, a Handful of Health" illustrates the recent notable increase in consumption of blueberries in North America.

It seems that Americans are paying attention to health and nutrition experts and doctors like Joel Furhman.  Dr. Furhman recommends eating "G-BOM-BS" (an acronym for 6 nutrient-dense foods that promote health and longevity and help prevent disease) every day.  The "B" in "G-BOM-BS" stands for "Berries".

As noted in this infographic, blueberries are:

❤ Full of dietary fiber

❤ Rich in phytonutrients

❤ Packed with vitamin C

❤ An excellent source of manganese


Based on the latest research and scientific studies, blueberries are thought to play a role in the following areas of health:

Cancer risk reduction
Insulin response
Cardiovascular health
Brain health

Related

Top 15 Nutrient Rich Foods
Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health
Top 15 Anti-Inflammatory Foods
15 Foods to Include in an Everyday Diet
25 Common Fruits and Their Health Benefits

Infographic

Infographic source:  U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

Infographic: Amazing Health Benefits of Bananas

Infographic: Amazing Benefits of Bananas

The banana is one of nature's healthiest original "fast foods".  Easy to pack and take on the go, it doesn't need any refrigeration or special utensils.  Just peel and eat.  It doesn't get any simpler (or better) than that!

Considered by many nutrition experts to be a superfood and a superfruit, bananas are rich in vitamins B6 and C, potassium, manganese, iron, pectin, dietary fiber and other important nutrients and are thought to confer many important health benefits  across various body systems.

Bananas are used both internally (digested) and topically in many natural cures and remedies applications for a wide variety of medical conditions.

This infographic illustrates but a few of those health benefits, including:

✔ Strengthening the body's circulatory system
✔ Overcoming depression and increasing happiness
✔ Restoring and normalizing regular bowel functions
✔ Improving mood and reducing PMS symptoms
✔ Stabilizing and regulating blood glucose levels
✔ Improving alertness
✔ Helping in smoking cessation
✔ Relieving anemia
✔ Providing energy

Related:
Bananas:  Properties and Health Benefits

Infographic Source:  Handy Health and Wellness Tips

Infographic: Alkaline Minerals and Foods

This fabulous infographic shows the five alkaline minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and manganese) and the foods (vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and herbs) that are rich sources of these minerals.

Although these essential minerals are available in supplement form, study after study shows that it is best to get them from the right kind of foods.  In fact, recent research indicates that relying heavily or exclusively on certain minerals and vitamins in supplement form may pose health risks.

This appears to be the case with intake of calcium supplements.  Calcium supplements, in turn, are thought to play a role in the depletion of another important mineral, magnesium.

This infographic illustrates some of the best, natural sources of these important minerals:

• Almonds
• Basil
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cacao
• Chard
• Cinnamon
• Celery
• Coconut Water
• Collard Greens
• Dill
• Figs
• Flax Seeds
• Kale
• Kiwi
• Mustard Greens
• Okra
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Quinoa
• Spinach
• Thyme
• Tomatoes
• Turmeric

Related:
The Importance of Keeping the Body Acid and Alkaline (pH) Balance
Alkaline and Acidic Foods (Infographic)