Blueberry Supplement

Blueberry Supplement

Your body needs nutrients every day and is designed to get those nutrients from healthy foods. Not all dietary supplements that provide vitamins and minerals simply contain individual nutrients that are produced in labs or isolated from foods. Some supplements contain the extracts of nutrient-rich foods and may help supply you with multiple vitamins, minerals and other healthy complexes to help complete your diet. Blueberry supplements are one such form of supplement. You can find a variety of products that contain the extract of blueberries here at Walgreens.

Why Take Blueberry Extract?

A blueberry supplement is a dietary supplement that provides a concentrated dose of the nutrients contained in blueberries. The blueberry is a plant that is native to North America and in the same family as cranberries and bilberries. The plant is known for its plump berries, which are bright blue in color and have a delicious sweet flavor when perfectly ripe. You'll find two types of blueberry supplements on the market today. The first type is produced from extracts of the berries of the blueberry plant. These products are usually labeled as "blueberry extract." The second type is manufactured out of extracts from the leaves of the blueberry plant and is called a "blueberry leaf extract" supplement.

Do Blueberries Have Antioxidants?

One of the biggest benefits of blueberries is that they are rich in antioxidants. In plants, antioxidants provide protection from harsh sunlight and other harmful substances in the environment. Studies have found that antioxidants also play a protective role in the human body. The nutrients can break down highly reactive particles called free radicals which cause oxidative damage to body cells. Because free radicals have been associated with the aging process and the development of certain types of cancers, many doctors recommend that their patients consume antioxidant-rich foods on a daily basis. Taking a blueberry supplement could help you increase your body's supply of antioxidants.

Other Potential Uses of Blueberry Supplements

Throughout history, blueberries have been used in many folk remedies. Today, blueberry supplements are sometimes utilized as alternative medicine as a result. Some of the potential uses for blueberries include reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic fatigue, urinary tract infections and hemorrhoids. Blueberries are also rich in dietary fiber and sometimes used to promote bowel regularity. While many people do seem to get relief from using blueberry supplements as complementary treatments, there is not enough evidence to support their use for addressing any specific medical concern.

Choosing the Right Blueberry Supplements

Blueberry and blueberry leaf supplements provide many of the same nutrients. However, these products do not offer all of the same benefits for the body. Your doctor can help you decide whether a blueberry or a blueberry leaf supplement is the best choice for supplementing your diet and helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. Once you know whether you should be looking for a blueberry or a blueberry leaf product, you can compare the formulas available. You'll find tablets, liquids and capsules available in different dosages to meet your needs.