
Blueberry Fruit: A Hope for Diabetes Patients
Blueberry Fruit
Blueberry is known as “Yaban Mersini” in Turkish. This fruit is dark blue in color and is commonly referred to as “Blueberry” in English-speaking countries. However, in Turkey, the dried and red-colored fruit sold under the name “Yaban Mersini” is actually “Cranberry.” This distinction is crucial. True Blueberries are available fresh or frozen. In Turkey, Blueberries are cultivated mainly in the Black Sea region, particularly in Rize, as well as in Antalya, Isparta, and Bursa regions.
Benefits of Blueberry
Blueberries, along with other berries such as raspberries and strawberries, contain substances similar to insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, they have demonstrated the ability to kill breast, prostate, and oral cancer cells in laboratory settings. Blueberries provide protection against colon (large intestine) cancer and urinary tract cancer as well. The antioxidant compound called anthocyanin found in Blueberries helps to prevent inflammation caused by cytokines. The ellagic acid present in Blueberries also aids in preventing cancer formation. Consuming about one to two cups of Blueberries per day is recommended.
Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, salicylic acid, carotenoids, fiber, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, riboflavin, niacin, and phytoestrogens. Blueberries, spinach, and wild-caught salmon are considered the top three superfoods. Including just these three superfoods in your diet can protect you from many diseases. A half cup of Blueberries contains 1733 units of vitamin E and 1200 mg of vitamin C.
Blueberries prevent aging, maintain skin elasticity, and offer protection against cancer. They can also safeguard against Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and macular degeneration. The dark blue-purple color of these fruits is attributed to anthocyanidin pigments, which provide increased benefits as the fruit’s color darkens.
This fruit may also be beneficial for individuals with multiple sclerosis. It promotes a healthy digestive system and helps with constipation and diarrhea. Blueberries have a positive impact on eye health by reducing eye fatigue and enhancing night vision. They are also believed to be helpful in treating glaucoma. Furthermore, Blueberries are beneficial for varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Diabetes and Blueberry
According to a study conducted by Professor P.S. Haddad and his team at Laval University in Canada, when obese and diabetic KKA(y) mice were given Blueberry juice, it led to a 35% reduction in blood sugar levels, in addition to weight loss. The exact mechanism behind this effect is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an increase in the hormone adiponectin, which is typically low in obese individuals. The Blueberry juice used in this study was not pure Blueberry juice; it was biotransformed using a bacterium called Serrata Vaccini, which enhanced its antioxidant properties. The mice that consumed this fruit juice experienced reduced appetite and food intake. However, whether similar effects can be observed in humans needs further investigation through studies.
It’s important to note that Blueberries or any herbal remedies do not replace medications for diabetes. They can only complement the treatment. Medication should not be stopped without proper medical guidance. These herbal treatments are meant to contribute to the overall treatment plan but should not be seen as replacements.
References:
- Vuong T, Benhaddou-Andaloussi A, Brault A, Harbilas D, Martineau LC, Vallerand D, Ramassamy C, Matar C, Haddad PS. Antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of biotransformed blueberry juice in KKA(y) mice. Int J Obes 2009 August.
- Prof. Dr. Metin Özata, Diyabetle Kaliteli Yaşam Rehberi, Gürer Yayınları, 2009.
- Prof. Dr. Metin Özata, Vitamin, Mineral ve Bitkisel Ürünler Kullanım Rehberi, Gürer Yayınları, 2008.