Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants

New cell research confirms that blueberries have antioxidant properties

New research findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that wild blueberries have the highest antioxidant activity in cells among a wide variety of fruits and berries. Research Director Rui Hai Liu, PhD, used the so-called CAA-method (Cellular Antioxidant Activity)-a new test method developed at Cornell University's Department of Food Science to determine the antioxidant activity of antioxidants, food and supplements. Wild Blueberry fared better in the cells than cranberries, apples and red and blue grapes.

According to Dr. Liu can CAA-test provide more specialized results than test-tube experiments, when you want to measure biological activity inside cells. "We have taken the next step toward an understanding of antioxidants activity by examining how they react inside cells. This new approach is more biologically relevant, because it takes into account for admission, circulation, distribution and activity of the antioxidant substances in cells rather than only looking at the antioxidant value ".

Dr. Lius work builds on other research into antioxidants using chemistry or test-tube experiments, for example. ORAC tests (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). "ORAC is still a good test what we have done is to take research one step further to see how these substances react inside cells. We believe that it is a stronger measure of how antioxidant substances potentially works in the body ".

According to a researcher at the u.s. Department of agriculture and the developer of the ORAC test Ron Prior, Ph. d., CAA-method a step forward. "CAA method shows the cellular levels of antioxidants, which is important for our understanding of this area of antioxidant research. How useful method will be to predict absorption and availability of antioxidants from the diet in humans, must be demonstrated through further trials ".

Wild blueberries: nature's antioxidant super fruit
Susan Davis, M.S., R.D. and nutritional adviser with Wild Blueberry Association, advises consumers to choose brightly colored, natural nutritional foods such as wild blueberries. "Wild Blueberry is chock-full with natural, protective substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Eat at least l dl blueberries a day as part of a well-balanced diet. Antioxidant-containing foods is the key to weight control, healthy aging and reducing the risk of chronic diseases ". According to Davis helps the antioxidants protect cells against free radicals – unstable oxygen molecules linked to cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and other age-related disorders. A dose of wild blueberries have more antioxidants than most other fruits.

Wild blueberries are now found in the meat counter at supermarkets all over the country. They are frozen quickly, while they are most fresh-and they are just as nutritious as fresh berries. "It's easy to get more fruits and vegetables into your family's meal plan when you have frozen products at your fingertips," says Davis. "Just grab 1 dl blueberries from the freezer and sprinkle them over your oatmeal or corn flakes, put them in a smoothie or enjoy them without anything to".

Davis has to choose very brightly colored fruits and vegetables, which is packed with health-enhancing herbal. Anthocyanins give blueberries their deep blue color pure and works in the body to fend off attacks from the environment in the form of poor diet, little exercise and other stress factors.

Wild Blueberry Association of North America is a trade association of growers and producers of wild blueberries. It has as its goal to spread the word about wild blueberries and their unique properties to consumers the world over. Go onto www.wildblueberries.com for more information ...