Q. Why should we eat blue, black, red fruits?
A. One reason is because these foods have valuable anti-oxidant benefits, which help prevent cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Here is information about the blueberry, which is just one example of this food group.
BLUEBERRIES are a very good source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, E, manganese, potassium, iron and both soluble and insoluble fiber like pectin. Blueberries rank as the number one fruit provider of antioxidants. You have heard that red wine protects the heart because of the antioxidants that it contains. A recent study found that blueberries deliver 38% more of these free radical fighters.
Additional Benefits of Blueberries
Rich in silicon, which is believed to help regenerate the pancreas
Improve circulation to the brain and extremities
Pectins help prevent the buildup of plaque in the blood
Reduce blood platelet aggregation which helps prevent blood clumping together
Help strengthen blood vessel walls and capillaries
Help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, preventing and treating urinary tract infections
Beneficial against diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels
Increases circulation to the eyes and helps in a wide range of eye diseases (long hours on the computer or driving the car)
Bowel Health – Large amounts of the berries have a laxative effect, although small amounts are given to treat diarrhea. Historically, dried blueberries – 1/3 c made into a soup – have been given for diarrhea in children. Anthocyanosides kill bacteria, including E.coli.
Antioxidant Power
Blueberries, as well as the other blue/black fruits, are packed with antioxidants called anthocyanidins. Antioxidants help neutralize free radical damage to the cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer.
In addition to the anthocyanidins, blueberries have recently been found to contain another chemical that may be beneficial to our health. In the December 2006 publication, Agriculture Reasearch, it was revealed that researchers have discovered a chemical compound, pterostilbene (pronounced “tero-STILL-bean”) which shows prospects for inhibiting breast and colon cancer, diabetes, and for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. (Of course, now they think that Parkinson’s Disease could be caused by low LDL levels!) They found that pterostilbene was similar in activity (targeting the same specific receptor) to ciprofibrate, a commercial drug that lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but without the side effects.
How to Use Blueberries
Blueberries are wonderful plain, added to pies, tarts, jam, cobblers, muffins, breads, ice cream, yogurt and blueberry soup. We love them in our ‘breakfast smoothie green drink’.
I always put a year’s supply in the freezer during the growing season. They are very easy to freeze. Just put them in bags without washing them. You can wash them as you use them.
If you have a bush growing, make a tea from the leaves, which have additional health benefits.
