Blueberries in History!

Early records that exist show blueberries used for medicinal purposes as far back as the 16^th century, although “off the record”, it is certain that natives of North America and Europe have been eating blueberries and using them as medicine since they first discovered these tasty little fruits. Whole berries, fresh, and organically grown are your best source of all the goodness of blueberries. However, the limited growing season and high price of organic fruit don’t have to be a deterrent in getting the best of the blueberries for your good health.

There are now highly concentrated juices and blueberry extracts that can provide much of the goodness of fresh berries and are as safe as fresh blueberries. A quality blueberry extract will be made from 100% fruit solids, skin, seeds, fibre and juice, and will have a high concentration. The most potent blueberry extract currently available is a 36:1 extract - that means that 36 grams of berries are concentrated to make one gram of potent extract.

What can a Blueberry DO?

The small blueberry may be a BIG help in reducing age-related illness and health decline. Though blueberries are not a cure-all, they contain a variety of natural compounds which have health benefits. These substances include, but are not limited to fructose, fibre, vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidants seem to have the most conclusive role in the prevention and even the treatment of such conditions and diseases as cancer, heart disease and the aging process.

Scientific studies report blueberries may help:

• Prevent urinary tract infections
• Slow aging and prevent cancer
• Reduce heart disease risk
• Lower cholesterol
• Strengthen collagen
• Regulate blood sugar
• Improve night vision
• Reduce replication of the HIV virus
• Treat diarrhea

Heart Support
 
Rutgers and University of Wisconsin researchers are studying the ability of blueberry compounds to prevent platelet aggregation, a factor in heart disease. The compounds being studied appear to act in two ways. They seem to reduce oxidation of Low Density Lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol), thus helping to lower arterial plaque build-up, and they reduce the stickiness of blood platelets helping prevent the formation of blood clots.

Cholesterol

A recent America Chemical Society meeting reported that a compound found in blueberries called pterostilbene has “the potential to be developed into a nutraceutical for lowering cholesterol, particularly for those who do not respond well to conventional drugs.” The study’s authors from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service said that the compound found in Vaccinium berries could be a “potent weapon in the battle against obesity and heart disease through its cholesterol-reducing potential.”

In fact, it is not necessary to remove or isolate the healthy compounds of blueberries. A more holistic and no doubt less expensive option is to increase one’s consumption of blueberries or to supplement with natural blueberry extracts!

Head researcher, Agnes M. Rimando and her associates, “earlier showed that this compound may help fight cancer.” An abstract of this study can be found on the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service website. According to the technical jargon of the research abstract, “These naturally-occurring stilbenes, (compounds) known to be strong antioxidants and to have cancer chemopreventive activity, will add to purported health benefits derived from consumption of these small fruits.”

The Eyes

Reports on the favourable effects of blueberries on eyesight include one study on Israeli fighter pilots. They were given regular doses of blueberry and their night vision significantly improved. Blueberry compounds, with their high antioxidant capacity, seem to be able to enhance capillary elasticity and permeability of the tissues of the eye. A number of earlier studies in Europe have documented the relationship between bilberries, the European cousin of blueberries, and improved eyesight.

Wild blueberries are called “vision fruit” in Japan, because of their high concentrations of anthocyanins, which are shown to reducing eyestrain, as well as improving night vision. Blueberries are being studied for their potential to prevent macular degeneration, a disease of the retina and the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65.

The Brain

Research suggests that blueberries may protect against or help reverse nerve and brain-related conditions including forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease. According to a study conducted at the University of Guelph in Ontario, blueberries help protect the brain and central nervous system by increasing blood serum levels of antioxidants. Another Canadian study showed that consumption of low bush blueberries helped protect neurons in the brain against prolonged damage following a stroke.

In a landmark study from Tufts University, 1999, old rats were fed the equivalent of 1 cup of blueberries per day in one month. As a result of their diet change, they learned faster than young rats, were more coordinated, showed improved motor skill and outperformed young rats in memory tests. What’s more, only the animals consuming the blueberries also improved their balance and coordination, functions which tend to deteriorate as we get older. Technically speaking, the blueberries enhanced memory-associated neuron signalling and other neuron activity in the rats - activity that may help overcome a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. If one wants to win “the rat race” perhaps blueberries can help!

These findings are increasingly important as our population ages. Decreased cognitive and motor function that can accompany advanced age are a major fear for most people. Balanced, healthful nutrition and regular exercise - both mental and physical - are essential for us to enjoy all the years of our lives.

Antioxidant Power

ORAC is a rating system for antioxidant power. Scientists look at how all the different phytochemicals and antioxidants in a given food perform together and then give an overall rating to the food based on its performance. The ORAC rating identifies antioxidants in a given food and ranks how they work together and how much protection and value they provide when taken as a group in that particular food. Blueberries have one of the highest ORAC ratings of all foods.

Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center found that blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products of metabolism called free radicals that can lead to cancer and other age related diseases. Anthocyanin, the pigment that makes the blueberries blue, is thought to be responsible for this major health benefit.

Urinary Tract Infections

Both blueberries and cranberries contain “epicatechin”, a bioflavonoid that inhibits the binding of E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract wall. Because it can’t “stick”, the bacteria is prevented from invading the tissues and causing an infection. Concentrated blueberry or cranberry extracts work quickly against infections and are excellent natural alternatives to antibiotics.

Millions of women suffer from the pain and annoyance of urinary tract infections and prevention is as important as treatment. Why suffer? Take care when on the toilet to avoid spreading feces to where they could come in contact with the opening of the urethra. It is recommended that you use ONLY white unscented toilet paper, as many women react to dyes and chemicals used in the other toilet papers. Unbleached toilet paper is even better to reduce any possible chlorine exposure and it is kinder to the environment as well.

In Sweden, dried blueberries are used to treat childhood diarrhea (Kowalchuk, 1976). Their effectiveness is attributed to anthocyanosides, a natural substance found in blueberries, which is believed to be lethal to E. coli, the bacteria sometimes linked to diarrheal infections.

What’s in the Berry?
 
One serving of blueberries delivers the antioxidant power of 5 servings of most other fruits and vegetables. Blueberries are rich in:

• Anthocyanins and phenolics (antioxidants)
• Lutein
• Lignans - blueberries contain average 8.35 mg lignans per/kg dry weight
• Galic acid 
• Fibre - 2.4 g of fibre per 100 g of blueberries
• Vitamin C - a cup of fresh blueberries provides 15% of daily requirements (and only 80 calories)
• Beta carotene - 0.04 mg per 100 g
• Vitamin E - 1 mg per 100 g
• Ellagic acid - ellagitannin
• Folic Acid - 6 ug/100 g of folic acid

Safety

Although blueberries and their extracts are safe for everyone from children to seniors, the powerful natural effects of blueberries make it important to discuss supplementation with your health care practitioner if you are using other medications, such as Warfarin. Pregnant and nursing mothers should always check with their health care practitioner before changing their diet or supplementing.

Research Summaries:

1. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2004: Researchers isolated three compounds in blueberries known to lower cholesterol levels. In a follow-up study, one of the three phytochemicals—pterostilbene—showed a potent effect in stimulating a receptor protein in cells that is important in lowering cholesterol and other blood fats. Rimando AM, Kalt W, Magee JB, Dewey J, Ballington JR. "Resveratrol, pterostilbene, and piceatannol in vaccinium berries." J Agric Food Chem, 2004 Jul 28; 52(15): 4713-9
2. In vitro study in Biochemistry and Cell Biology: 24 hours of exposure to extracts of blueberry antioxidants sharply reduced the production of matrix metalloproteinases—enzymes that play a key role in the development (metastasis) of malignant tissue in human prostate cancer cells. Matchett MD, Mackinnon SL, Sweeney MI, Gottschall-Pass KT, Hurta RA., "Blueberry flavonoids inhibit matrix metalloproteinase activity in DU145 human prostate cancer cells." Biochem Cell Biol, 2005 Oct; 83(5):637-43
3. Editor's note: We do not condone irradiating any living creatures, including rats. The research reported here may be of value if it protects animals and humans from the affects of radiation.
4. A team of researchers led by Barbara Shukitt-Hale studied a group of 60 young male rats by splitting them up into three groups. The first group was fed a diet with no berries, the second was fed a diet with strawberry extract and the third group was fed a diet with blueberry extract. After the rats had been on the diets for two months, half of the rats were subjected to radiation to quicken the aging process. After half the rats were irradiated, the entire group was put through tests that included a maze test and a chemical test for dopamine. Low levels of dopamine point to poor memory and attention, and other poor mental skills. The researchers found that the rats that had been irradiated and were on a diet with no berries nervous system from radiation damage. This helps explain why people who follow poor nutritional habits get sunburned so easily,” he added. “The study also indicates that berries can even help protect lab animals from researchers intent on harming them via inhumane medical experiments.” performed the worst in the maze of the three groups, and also tested the lowest for dopamine levels. The rats that had been irradiated and were on a diet with berry extract performed as well as the group that had not been irradiated. “What this cruel experiment seems to indicate,” explained Mike Adams, a consumer health advocate and holistic nutritionist, “is that the natural medicines found in berries, including antioxidants and other phytonutrients, substantially protect the nervous system from radiation damage. This helps explain why people who follow poor nutritional habits get sunburned so easily,” he added. “The study also indicates that berries can even help protect lab animals from researchers intent on harming them via inhumane medical experiments."