Antioxidant Ratings
ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It is a test tube analysis that measures the total antioxidant power of foods and food components. Scientists look at how different phytochemicals and antioxidants in a given food perform together and then give an overall rating to the food based on its performance and how much protection it is likely to provide against free radical damage. Most berries are good sources of different antioxidants. They often need to work together to protect health and fight free radical damage. Antioxidants seem to be an established factor in prevention of conditions, such as cancer, heart disease and other age related illnesses.
Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center found that blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanin, the pigment that makes the blueberries blue, is thought to be responsible for this major health benefit.
Blueberries for Eyes and Brains
The small blueberry may be a BIG help in reducing age-related illness and health decline. While you enjoy the flavour, your body is taking in fructose, fibre, vitamins and powerful antioxidant nutrients. Wild blueberries are called “vision fruit” in Japan, because of their high concentrations of plant antioxidants called anthocyanins. These are shown to reduce 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.
Additional scientific studies report that blueberries may help improve brain function and slow aging. In a landmark study from Tufts University, 1999, “old” rats were fed the equivalent of 1 cup of blueberries per day for one month. As a result of their diet change, they learned faster than young rats, were more coordinated, showed improved motor skills and outperformed young rats in memory tests. Only the animals consuming the blueberries improved their balance and coordination, functions that tend to deteriorate as we get older. Technically speaking, the blueberries enhanced memory-associated neuron signalling and other neuron activity in the rats.
Can you prevent Urinary Tract Infections? Cranberry Can!
Both blueberries and cranberries contain bioflavonoids that inhibit the binding of E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract wall. Because it can’t “stick”, the bacteria can’t invade the tissues and cause infection.
Saw Palmetto Berries, a Gift for Men
Women aren’t the only ones who suffer hormonal changes. As a man ages, his hormones can cause conditions that range from mildly annoying to life threatening. Testosterone, the natural “anabolic steroid” hormone is converted to dihydrotestosterone or DHT in certain tissues of the body. High levels of DHT can result in enlargement of the prostate, officially called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It can put a choke-hold on the urethra and cause excessive night time urination, erectile dysfunction and can increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Many men use saw palmetto berry extract to reduce symptoms with excellent reported success.
If you are a man who is 40 years old or older, and if you have to get up at night more than you want to, be sure to see your health care practitioner for a prostate exam. The discomfort is a small price to pay for cancer prevention.
Berry Basics
There is a great deal of science that validates berries as important sources of healthy nutrients. While you enjoy these juicy, colourful natural treats you can find out just how they support a long and healthy life. While we do not control or take responsibility for the information on the following sites, you may find their additional data informative:
- www.cranberryinstitute.org
- www.blueberry.org
- www.sawpalmetto.org