Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Wild Blueberries -- the #1 antioxidant fruit

Now, I am searching for the health benefits of wild blueberries. I’m surprised that this superfruit is not as known as the granny apple or cranberries, when its sooo jam packed with good things for us. Anyway, I’m sharing with you these things and perhaps you would also like to try them.

First, this is the site of the Wyman brand that I bought http://www.wymans.biz/sitemap.php . It could be biased so I searched some more and found this very informative site. http://www.wildblueberries.com/
It has all the info that I need and more. Well, here are some of the important things I’ve learned:


a.) Unlike highbush cultivated blueberries, Wild Blueberries are not planted. These lowbush
blueberries are primarily spread by rhizomes or underground runners, which give rise to
new roots and stems. All shoots arising from the same rhizome system have similar characteristics and are referred to as a blueberry clone.



b.) Wild Blueberries may be small but they pack a healthy punch! Sweet, tangy and intensely blue, Wild Blueberries are rich in phytonutrients — antioxidants such as anthocyanin, as well as anti-inflammatories. These natural substances, found in fruits and vegetables, are believed to protect against disease and promote healthy aging… and with their powerful natural antioxidant qualities, Wild Blueberries are at the top of the antioxidant “A-list”! Here’s why antioxidants are such a hot topic today: they help our bodies protect against disease and age-related health risks. Every day, our cells wage a battle against free radicals - unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging. Dietary antioxidants come to the rescue. These phytonutrients, natural substances found in fruits and vegetables, neutralize free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants also protect against inflammation, thought to be a leading factor in brain aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases of aging. The potent antioxidants found in Wild Blueberries include flavonoids and other phenolics such as anthocyanins; Wild Blueberries are higher in anthocyanin content than other fruits and vegetables.



c.) Potent antioxidants are highly concentrated in the deep-blue pigments of Wild Blueberries. Scientists around the world are studying the ways in which the Power of Blue may help combat disease and promote healthy aging. The many potential health benefits of Wild Blueberries include:

0 Brain Health: Ongoing brain research shows that blueberries may improve motor skills and actually
reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging, making blueberries a natural “brain food.”
0 Cancer Prevention: Research shows that blueberry compounds may inhibit all stages of cancer.
0 Heart Health: Research indicates that blueberries may protect against heart disease and damage from stroke.
0 Urinary Tract Health: Like cranberries, blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections.
0Vision Health: Research around the world has indicated that blueberries may improve night vision and prevent tired eyes.



d.) In a recent test by Glycemic Index Laboratories, Inc., Wild Blueberries scored 53
on the Glycemic Index (GI) scale making them a low GI food. Consuming low GI foods causes a smaller rise in blood glucose levels than consuming high GI foods — an important consideration for people with diabetes.

Understanding the glycemic values of food makes healthy meal planning easier — especially for people with diabetes. Nutritionists are also interested in the effect GI foods may have on weight loss and appetite control. Research is currently under way to evaluate these claims.


e.) The FDA has concluded that frozen fruits and vegetables are just as healthy as fresh and may even retain their nutritional value longer — which is good news for consumers who want the Power of Blue™ every day.



After reading all these, I think you will also be convinced to give this superfruit a try. I'm sure I'll be going back to get my second pack. Perhaps try the organic ones if they are the wild ones. In this super hot summer that we have, a yummy and healthy smoothie will be perfect!!!



No comments: