Scientists have discovered many health benefits from eating blueberries. Lowbush and highbush blueberry contain some useful compounds such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and flavonols.
Antioxidants are responsible in part for keeping human healthily and young. They help fight cell damaging "free radicals". Free radicals are unstable substances that human bodies produce as people get older. They damage human cells and DNA.
The health benefits of blueberries are supported by growing body of in vitro and in vivo studies published in the scientific literature. US scientists have shown that the antioxidants contained in blueberries help to slow the ageing process and reduce the risk of cancer.
The antioxidants are contained in "Anthocyanins" (Greek word meaning "plant" and "blue") these are the reason why Blueberries are blue. They are blue because of their very high anthocyanins content.
Chemical studies in the US by the Agricultural Research Service have very recently revealed that Blueberries (as well as strawberries and raspberries) contain chemicals that decreased the growth of cervical and breast cancer cells by a considerable percentage.
Blueberries have also found to contain resveratrol, another potential anti-cancer agent. In the issue of Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry dated May 4, 2005, it was reported that blueberries contain a beneficial compound called pterostilbene. Pterostilbene’s lipid lowering ability was superior to both resveratrol and the prescription drug Ciprofibrate.
On a cellular level, it works much like metabolism and fats in the blood stream, and it helps prevent the deposition of plaque.
The blueberry is laden with several minerals apart from its high antioxidant content. This makes it a good solution for digestive ill health. Minerals such as sodium and copper make it a berry worth considering for people who suffer from digestive problems.
Blueberry and health
