How the ‘blue’ in blueberries can support your health
A recent study, as published in this article by Science Daily , has found that the anthocyanins, the type of phytochemical that gives blueberries their blue colouring, can have a positive effect on blood vessel function.
Lead researcher on the study, Dr Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, said, “Although it is best to eat the whole blueberry to get the full benefit, our study finds that the majority of the effects can be explained by anthocyanins.”
The effects were seen as soon as two hours after consumption of the drink made from 200g of blueberries and were sustained for one month afterwards.
The foods rich in vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an integral part in the maintenance of health and wellbeing including contributing towards the maintenance of normal skin, normal vision and immune function. However, the human body does not make vitamin A so it therefore must be obtained through our diet.
But what should we be eating? The article Which foods are rich in vitamin A?, published by MedicalNewsToday has looked at 14 of the best sources of vitamin A to ensure we reach the recommended daily levels.
These foods include many that we already associate with high levels of vitamin A, such as carrots, as well as a number of potential surprises such as cod liver oil, sweet potato, herring and black-eyed peas.
How vitamin C affects our skin
Vitamin C may well be known for its contribution to the normal function of the immune system as well as host of other roles within the body but a recent article by mindbodygreen has highlighted its benefits in promoting healthy skin.
In particular, the article references vitamin C’s role in collagen formation, in which vitamin C is vital.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.