Superfood Spotlight: Blueberries Are Hot This Season
More disease-fighting antioxidants than most foods
Provided By: Berkeley Wellness
Like the overlooked duckling in Fox's hit makeover show The Swan, blueberries are undergoing a drastic transformation -- at least in the eyes of the public. Blueberry sales are booming these days, coming from behind to compete with the most popular fruits of the season, like peaches and strawberries. In fact, the blueberry is so hot right now, farmers are having a hard time keeping up with demand. What accounts for the blueberry's new stature? Antioxidants. Like being anointed royalty, the fruit's superfood status has earned the berry what growers are calling a "health halo." Here's why.
Like the overlooked duckling in Fox's hit makeover show The Swan, blueberries are undergoing a drastic transformation -- at least in the eyes of the public. Blueberry sales are booming these days, coming from behind to compete with the most popular fruits of the season, like peaches and strawberries. In fact, the blueberry is so hot right now, farmers are having a hard time keeping up with demand. What accounts for the blueberry's new stature? Antioxidants. Like being anointed royalty, the fruit's superfood status has earned the berry what growers are calling a "health halo." Here's why.
In the News
It's all good news with blueberries. Not only are they delicious, but they contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than practically any other fruit or vegetable, even antioxidant-rich foods such as kale, broccoli, and oranges. Though naturally quite sweet, blueberries are so low in calories that even people trying to lose weight can enjoy them. In fact, their high-fiber content makes them very satisfying. The benefits of blueberries are so powerful that many researchers are incorporating them into their own diets and recommending that you do, too.
Nutritional Profile
The antioxidants in blueberries can protect against the cell damage that accelerates aging, leading to wrinkled skin and increased susceptibility to disease. In laboratory tests, researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University found that 2/3 cup of blueberries supplied the same antioxidant protection against free radicals as 1,773 IU of vitamin E or 1,270 milligrams of vitamin C. In fact, blueberries ranked third in the list of 40 fruits and vegetables tested for their antioxidant potential.
Blueberries contain a good amount of the soluble fiber pectin that helps lower cholesterol levels. In addition, researchers believe that antioxidants in the fruit may help protect LDL ("bad") cholesterol from oxidation and slow the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Pectin is also beneficial to the digestive system, adding bulk to stools without stimulating bowel movements. Keep in mind, however, that large amounts of the fresh fruit may have a laxative effect in some people.
In the News
It's all good news with blueberries. Not only are they delicious, but they contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than practically any other fruit or vegetable, even antioxidant-rich foods such as kale, broccoli, and oranges. Though naturally quite sweet, blueberries are so low in calories that even people trying to lose weight can enjoy them. In fact, their high-fiber content makes them very satisfying. The benefits of blueberries are so powerful that many researchers are incorporating them into their own diets and recommending that you do, too.
Nutritional Profile
The antioxidants in blueberries can protect against the cell damage that accelerates aging, leading to wrinkled skin and increased susceptibility to disease. In laboratory tests, researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University found that 2/3 cup of blueberries supplied the same antioxidant protection against free radicals as 1,773 IU of vitamin E or 1,270 milligrams of vitamin C. In fact, blueberries ranked third in the list of 40 fruits and vegetables tested for their antioxidant potential.
Blueberries contain a good amount of the soluble fiber pectin that helps lower cholesterol levels. In addition, researchers believe that antioxidants in the fruit may help protect LDL ("bad") cholesterol from oxidation and slow the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Pectin is also beneficial to the digestive system, adding bulk to stools without stimulating bowel movements. Keep in mind, however, that large amounts of the fresh fruit may have a laxative effect in some people.
