Our Favorite Fruit Might Help Us Burn Fat
Soooo much tastier than apple cider vinegar.
by The Candidly Team
Not a fan of suspense? We’ll just get right down to the juicy bit. The food that one study is now showing might just help us burn more fat after a workout is ….
WILD BLUEBERRIES!!!!!
Ok, so before you get too excited, we gotta come out and tell you that so far the study was only done on “aerobically trained males.” Oof - did we lose you there?
But here’s why it’s still intriguing. “The research found that consuming roughly 1 cup of wild blueberries daily for two weeks increases the ability to use/burn fat during moderate-intensity exercise, like cycling,” according to Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Performance Lab, which published these findings in 2023 and plans to expand research to female subjects.
The implications that fat oxidation rates can be significantly boosted by eating wild blueberries is even more fascinating because as the study’s lead researcher Taylor Bloedon explained, “Increasing the use of fat can help performance, particularly in endurance activities as we have more fat stores to keep us going longer than we do carb stores.” So more fat could be burned and our performance could be enhanced. Good news all-around.
One of the reasons scientists speculate that blueberries could hold such powers is due to their rich anthocyanins content, which we happen to have written all about HERE. And in full transparency, anthocyanins are a big part of why we’re even willing to write about this study despite it being done on limited subjects thus far.
Wild blueberries have already proven their powers in countless ways, some of which relate to fat and weight, and some that relate to myriad aspects of our health that are equally important.
Here’s just a highlight reel of some of their glorious benefits:
They might reduce belly fat and diabetes risk
They likely have some of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruits and veg
The could reduce DNA damage and therefore possibly some risks of cancer.
They could help lower blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease.
They have lots of fiber which makes us feel fuller for longer, so we don’t look for other junky things to eat.
They support healthy immunity.
They’re good for eye health.
They could help regulate blood sugar.
Improve your digestion.
They may help improve brain function and memory.
You can buy wild blueberries frozen in most grocery stores or even stash some freeze-dried for an easy unrefrigerated snack.
However, there is one very important thing to note when it comes to eating more blueberries, and that is that eating them wild and certified organic is best. This is because blueberries can test extremely high for pesticides, having recently been added to the “dirty dozen” list of foods that have the most pesticides present.
Otherwise, these little gems are packed with a treasure trove of healthful benefits. So while the extent to which they help us burn fat remains to be seen, it’s honestly just the tip of the iceberg. Not to mention it’s a pretty painless thing to test out for ourselves.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in place of professional advice, medical treatment, or professional care in any way. This article is not intended to be and should not be a substitute for professional care, advice or treatment. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before changing any health regimen. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of any kind. Read our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
