Blueberries

About

About Blueberries Blueberries are one of only a few fruits native to North America. In fact, Native Americans used to have a variety of uses for blueberries as a dietary supplement and for medicinal purposes. North America remains the top producer and consumer of blueberries, although other countries such as Chile are becoming increasingly involved in the development of the crop. Blueberries are enjoyed for their delicious sweet and tart flavor, and are gaining attention around the world as new research uncovers promising health benefits of blueberry consumption. Health Benefits of Blueberries 1) Protective Antioxidants: Blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity, according to researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center (HNRCA) in a study that compared blueberries to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins, the antioxidants responsible for giving blueberries their color, protect cells from the damaging effects of oxidation, which is often linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer. 2) Lower Cholesterol Levels: A 2010 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry examined the effect of blueberry juice byproducts on hamsters that consumed a high-fat diet. Hamsters were used for the experiment because, like humans, their cholesterol levels increase from eating fatty foods. The group of hamsters whose high-fat diet was supplemented with blueberry extract had both lower total and LDL “bad” cholesterol levels than those in the control group. 3) Cardiovascular Health: The protective, heart-healthy effects of blueberries are promising. Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by the build-up of plaque in the arteries, and is a precursor of heart disease. Findings from a 2010 study in the Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that blueberry-fed mice had less atherosclerotic plaque than the mice that did not receive blueberry supplementation. 4) Bone Health: Research suggests that the high polyphenol content of blueberries has