Many of the health benefits of blueberries are due to their high levels of the antioxidants: vitamins C and E, the minerals zinc and selenium and the beta carotene (pre-vitamin A). These antioxidants have protective properties for the bodies cells by disarming free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced during the digestive process; moreover, they are found in sunlight and produced in great numbers by the modern problem of pollution.

Vitamin A is a key player in a healthy immune system; and is also important for the health of the skin. It helps protect the skin from harmful chemicals in the air and also helps repair the skin cells as well as detoxifies them. The best known benefit of vitamin A is its ability to protect the eyes from diseases such as night blindness and cataracts.

Zinc is not only an antioxidant, but is also found in every cell of the body and performs hundreds of necessary chemical processes. As an antioxidant it protects proteins and enzymes from damaging free radical attacks. One of these enzymes is the antioxidant called superoxide dismutase. When superoxide dismutase is not protected by zinc, it can become a toxin that has negative effects upon the nervous system.

Vitamin E completes the vitamin immune system trio with vitamins A and C. Vitamin E helps to regenerate vitamins A and C and brings them back to life after they have become inert from battling toxic chemicals. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and acts as an antioxidant protecting the fat cells that encompass and protect our organs.

Selenium is a trace mineral that has antioxidant properties. It helps to rejuvenate vitamin C after it has become inactive from tackling a free radical. More importantly, it activates the production of glutathione – the most powerful of antioxidants produced in the body.

Vitamin C is fundamental for a strong immune system while also being a very powerful water soluble antioxidant. It protects proteins and carbohydrates from free radical damage as well as protecting DNA cells from becoming mutated, which can lead to cancer. Vitamin C, like the mineral selenium, raises levels of the master antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase, which is found in the body. Other benefits of vitamin C includes the production of collagen, which is needed to maintain the elasticity of our skin and our arteries. A deficiency in vitamin C can therefore lead to premature aging of the skin and the hardening of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Timothy Johnson loves writing about health subjects and especially about food and its healing qualities. Check out my juicer recipes blog juicing recipes