Blueberries May Support Bone Health
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Despite their small size, blueberries are packed with nutrients that offer a range of health benefits, including supporting bone health.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, on Thursday, Dr. Nikhil Jadhav, an orthopaedic consultant at Sahyadri Super Specialty Hospital in Pune, stated that blueberries are increasingly recognised as an important food to include in a healthy diet for bones, thanks to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content.
“While there is no single food that can cure osteoporosis, recent findings reveal the potential benefits that blueberries may offer in helping to maintain bone health, thereby reducing the likelihood of bone mass loss due to ageing,” said Dr. Nikhil.
In addition, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in blueberries, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, help reduce oxidative damage and chronic inflammation, two factors that contribute to bone damage.
According to Dr. Nikhil, maintaining bone mass is essential for preventing osteoporosis and fractures. Several studies, through laboratory experiments on animals, have shown that some of the compounds found in blueberries enhance osteoblastic function, which are cells that play a role in forming new bone tissue.
However, even though it can be a good addition to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life, Dr. Nikhil cautioned that blueberries should not be considered the only way to combat osteoporosis.
“It should be noted, however, that blueberries should not be considered the only way to combat osteoporosis; rather, they should be seen as just one part of a broader approach to osteoporosis prevention,” he said.
He added that adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other essential nutrients remains the primary foundation in maintaining bone health.
In addition, physical activity such as walking and weight training, as well as adopting a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption, also play an important role in preventing osteoporosis.
Dr. Nikhil emphasised that people who have a higher risk of osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women, those with a family history of osteoporosis, or individuals with certain medical conditions, need to undergo regular bone density screening and consult with a doctor.
According to him, adding nutritious foods such as blueberries to the diet can be a simple and enjoyable step to support a healthy lifestyle.
“Although further research is still needed to confirm the effectiveness of blueberries in preventing osteoporosis, there are currently a number of reasons to suggest that this fruit can contribute to the effort,” he said.