Heart Health

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared they had identified a compound in blueberries called pterostilebene. This may help fight heart disease and type-2 diabetes. From the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia, Dr. Agnes Rimando explained, “We are excited to learn that blueberries, which are already known to be rich in healthy compounds, may also be a potent weapon in the battle against obesity and heart disease, which are leading killers in the U.S.” Research has found that blueberries deliver 38% more free radical fighters than wine. In this study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers found how a moderate drink (about 4 ounces) of white wine contained .47 mmol of free radical absorbing antioxidants, red wine provided 2.04 mmol, and a wine made from highbush blueberries delivered 2.42 mmol of these cancer protective plant compounds.

Cancer Protection

Anthocyanin pigments, in a new study from the University of Illinois, showed various compounds in wild blueberries—including anthocyanins—possess the power to help prevent cancer in three major phases: initiation, promotion and proliferation. Lead researcher Mary Ann Lila, Ph.D. said:

The results were very positive, adding evidence to a growing body of work coming out of our lab investigating Wild Blueberry fractions and their cancer-fighting properties at all stages: initiation, promotion and proliferation. Wild Blueberry compounds offer a multi-pronged attack against cancer. (click here for more)

Dr. Lila went on to say, “The natural plant compounds in Wild Blueberries may be powerful allies in the fight against oxidative stress and inflammation which can lead to cancer, heart disease as well as several other chronic health problems. While we still need in vivo work to test how much of these compounds get into the body and how they work, we do know that the potential benefit could be great." Laboratory studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry show that phenolic compounds in blueberries inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death).Blueberries include a flavonoid called kaempferol. Research calculating flavonoid intake in 66,940 women enrolled in the Nurses Health Study between 1984 and 2002 revealed that women whose diets provided the most kaempferol had a 40% reduction in risk of ovarian cancer, compared to women eating the least kaempferol-rich foods. In addition to blueberries, foods richest in kaempferol include tea (nonherbal), onions, curly kale, leeks, spinach, and broccoli.

Vision

Extracts of bilberry, which is a cousin of the blueberry, have been shown to improve nighttime visual acuity. This research was conducted to evaluate claims of bilberry's beneficial effects on night vision made by British Air Force pilots during World War II. They regularly consumed bilberry preserves before their night missions.

References

• Craig Weatherby , "Blueberries Found to Fight Cancer and Infection", http://www.imakenews.com/vitalchoiceseafood/e_article000402721. cfm?x=b4V1KpQ,b2Jwwny2,w
• Lesley Michael, "Compound in Blueberries May Prevent Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes", http://www.healthylivingnyc.com/article/95.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Blueberry2.jpg
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blueberry
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PattsBlueberries.jpg
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Blueberry_plants.jpg
• Int J Cancer. 2007 Apr 30; Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 May;79(5):727-47.
• http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8