Health

Blueberries have more to offer than just good looks and taste.

Antioxidants

In a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) laboratory at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, researchers have found that blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products called "free radicals" that can lead to cancer and other age-related diseases. Anthocyanin - the pigment that makes blueberries blue - is thought to be responsible for this major health benefit (1).

Slowed age-related loss

In another USDA lab at Tufts University, neuroscientists discovered that feeding blueberries to laboratory rats slowed age-related loss in their mental capacity, a finding that has important implications for humans. Again, the high antioxidant activity of blueberries probably played a role (2).

Heart Health

Blueberries may reduce the build-up of so called "bad" cholesterol that contributes to cardiovascular disease and stroke, according to scientists at the University of California at Davis. Once again, the antioxidants are believed to be the active component (3).

Urinary tract health

Researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey have identified a compound in blueberries that promotes urinary tract health and reduces the risk of infection. It appears to work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the cells that line the walls of the urinary tract (4).

Nutrition

Blueberries are also low in sodium and high in dietary fibre and potassium - all this for only 40 calories per ½ cup serving!

References

(1) Prior, R.L. et al. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1998, 46:2686-2693
(2) Bickford, P.C. et al. Society for Neuroscience Abs. 1998, 24:2157
(3) Heinenen, L.M. et al J. Agric. Food Chem. 1998, 46:4107-4112
(4) Howell, A.B. and V. Nicholi. New Engl. J. Med 1998, 339:1085-1086