Wild Blueberry Juice Concentrate
Blueberries are Nature's #1 Antioxidant Fruit
Blueberries emerged as the top antioxidant capacity fruit in a laboratory testing procedure called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity-ORAC-developed by the USDA. ORAC is recognized as the definitive measurement of antioxidant capacity. One-half cup of blueberries delivers as much antioxidant power as five servings of other fruits and vegetables such as peas, carrots, apples, squash and broccoli. High levels of anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, make blueberries powerful allies in the fight against aging, heart disease and cancer.
Anti-Aging and Alzheimer's
James Joseph, PhD, Chief of the USDA Human Nutrition Research on Aging at Tufts University, is working with blueberries to examine their potential to help improve motor skills and reverse short-term memory loss that comes with aging. The team of researchers has shown that blueberries reduce "aging-related damage in rat brains and can also prevent mental decline in mice genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer's-like plaques in their brains. The blueberry has emerged as a very powerful food in the aging battle," says Joseph. "Given the possibility that blueberries may reverse short-term memory loss and forestall other effects of aging, their potential may be very great."
Cancer Prevention
A University of Illinois study by Mary Ann Lila Smith, PhD, looked at a particular flavonoid (Flavonoids include anthocyanins, the natural substances responsible for giving blueberries their deep-blue color) that inhibits an enzyme involved in promoting cancer. Of the fruits tested, Wild Blueberries showed the greatest anti-cancer activity. Blueberries contain phytonutrients, reported to have anti-cancer activity in cell cultures. Recent research in the United States by the Agricultural Research Service suggests blueberries may decrease the growth of cervical and breast cancer cells by a considerable percentage.
Uriniary Tract Health
Blueberries prevent infection. According to research findings at the Rutgers Blueberry Cranberry Research Center in Chatsworth. NJ, blueberries help promote urinary tract health. Explains Rutgers scientist Amy Howell, PhD, blueberries, like cranberries, contain compounds that prevent the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections from attaching to the bladder wall.
Vision Health
Blueberries may help prevent a leading cause of blindness. Wild Blueberries have very high concentrations of anthocyanin, a natural compound linked with may health benefits, including reducing eyestrain and improving night vision. At Tufts University, Ronald L. Prior, PhD, director of the USDA studies that ranked blueberries #1 in antioxidiant activity, plans to study the ability of blueberries to prevent macular degeneration, a disease of the retina and the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65.
