Native to North America, blueberries grow in the woods and mountains of the United States and Canada.
Blueberries Have Powerful Antioxidants
The blueberry is loaded with phytonutrients known as anthocyanidins, and they are known to put a stop to free radical damage within the body. Problems such as cancer, heart disease, ulcers, and others are at the very least accelerated by free radicals and the anthocyanidins in blueberries can be powerful weapons against these diseases. In an excellent article that explains what free radicals really are and what can be done about them, Dr. Steve Coward writes that eating blueberries and other fresh fruits and vegetables can do the job most supplements do.
According to the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center in Boston, the blueberry is among the fruits possessing the highest levels of antioxidant activity. In a test known as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), scientists have determined that a serving of blueberries exceeds many other fruits and vegetables in this area. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, two substances that the human body cannot make on its own but requires daily.
A Defense Against Macular Degeneration
Studies are showing that blueberries are good for the eyes. The Archives of Ophthalmology published a study that revealed eating three or more servings of fruit each day can lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60. Since no effective treatment for the condition exists, blueberries are a delicious way to help ward off this frightening problem.
Blueberries Are Good for the Heart
In the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry,researchers discovered that blueberries exceed red and white wine in their cardio-protective capabilities. Based on their tests, blueberries provided 38% more free radical scavengers.
In this sense, they are similar to walnuts in their ability to ultimately scavenge the blood and arterial cell walls. Because fresh blueberries are best for only a few days, it can be a challenge to keep them in the diet as regularly as they should be.
Cognitive Function and Blueberry Consumption
In addition to heart and overall good health, blueberries have also been shown to be a good brain food. Symptoms of conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia can be lessened by regular consumption. Aging animals have demonstrated improved learning capacity and coordination while on a blueberry diet.
The blueberry is a wonderful fruit that tastes good and can do the body a lot of good when people make them part of their regular diet. Finding where they grow a enjoying a sunny Saturday picking them can be almost as fun as eating them.
Sources:
Coward, Steven, N.D. Asheville Natural Health and Homeopathy, Asheville, NC
The World's Healthiest Foods, Online Source (www.whfoods.com)
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
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