When creating the Daily Spoon blend for the skin and searching for products that nourish our skin from the inside out, two ingredients really impressed me—blueberries and cranberries. I was surprised at how I had previously overlooked the benefits of these berries for our skin health. So today, I want to give all the credit to them and share a few tips on how we can incorporate them more into our routines.
Benefits of blueberries for our skin health
Let’s start with skin protection. Blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants compared to other fruits and vegetables. Due to their high flavonoid content, they have health-promoting properties that help protect the skin from external factors such as air pollution, sun rays, and other chemical substances.
Studies have noted that due to their high antioxidant content, blueberries also reduce DNA damage, which helps slow down the aging process.
Speaking of skin aging, blueberries also contain quercetin, which is beneficial not only for reducing inflammatory processes but can also positively affect our skin by slowing aging and protecting against UV damage.
Blueberries also help reduce inflammatory processes in our skin. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis.
How do lingonberries pamper your skin?
Lingonberries have similar skin-protecting properties to blueberries. They also contain quercetin, which can protect our skin from aging and sun damage. Additionally, cranberries have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects on the skin, which can be helpful for those suffering from acne.
A study examining the anti-inflammatory properties of lingonberries noted that regular consumption can help regenerate the skin, positively affecting wound healing and slowing down the aging process of the skin.
One study also observed that after 12 weeks of regular lingonberries consumption, the condition of the skin significantly improved. The research found that due to lingonberrie intake, the skin became thicker and more elastic, resulting in a noticeable reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.
It is important to note that lingonberries are a source of vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining skin health.
How can I include more of these berries in my diet?
During the warm season, blueberries are easy to find, and there are many ways to incorporate them into our diet. We can use them in smoothies, oatmeal, desserts, or simply eat them on their own. However, in the colder months, finding fresh blueberries can be a bit more challenging. That’s why I use freeze-dried blueberry powder. I really like this method because it prevents the berries from spoiling, which often happens to me, leading to the disappointment of throwing them away and wasting money. Additionally, freeze-dried products retain the nutritional value of the berries, and just 10 grams of powder is equivalent to 100 grams of fresh berries.
I do the same with lingonberries. I incorporate them into my diet mainly in specific dishes where they’re needed for a recipe, but I also use the powder in my daily routine, adding it to smoothies.
If there’s a choice, fresh berries are definitely the better option. However, sometimes I prefer the practical choice, making these berries more accessible.
Daily Spoon originated from the desire to see a different type of healthy lifestyle product in Lithuania—one without empty promises or miraculous weight-loss teas, but rather focused on what is backed by science and helps you shine and feel good.
Radvilė
Founder of Daily Spoon
Sources:
- Absorption of Anthocyanins From Blueberries and Serum Antioxidant Status in Human Subjects
- A Single Portion of Blueberry (Vaccinium Corymbosum L) Improves Protection Against DNA Damage but Not Vascular Function in Healthy Male Volunteers
- Quercetin Directly Targets JAK2 and PKCδ and Prevents UV-Induced Photoaging in Human Skin
- Evidence for Anti-Cancer Properties of Blueberries: A Mini-Review
- Oral Intake of Lingonberry and Amla Fruit Extract Improves Skin Conditions in Healthy Female Subjects
- Alaskan Berry Extracts Promote Dermal Wound Repair Through Modulation of Bioenergetics and Integrin Signaling
