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Eat Your Blueberries! Since the Middle Ages, blueberries have shown renowned health benefits. WWII fighter pilots improved their nighttime vision with blueberries and bilberries (European blueberry). New science is showing blueberries to help vision, slow aging, reduce dementia, lower cholesterol, fight cancer and inhibit urinary tract infections. The blueberry is the richest source of antioxidants of any food. The dark, rich color is the sign of its anthocyanin content. This substance has anti-inflammatory properties and can protect large and small blood vessels from oxidative damage. This is important for those with diabetes. Blood vessel damage presents a great problem for those with diabetes, affecting many areas from eyesight, heart vessel disease, to diabetic neuropathy. Eating blueberries may help reduce damage and promote healing. An amazing study by Dr. James Joseph of Tufts University showed that blueberries may slow brain aging and protect vision. “This is the first study that has shown that fruit extracts high in antioxidants can actually reverse some of the aging-related neuronal/behavioral dysfunction. This means in humans, that blueberries could slow the loss of balance and coordination that so often accompanies aging, with tremendous implications to enjoyment and quality of life. Dr. Steven Pratt says, “If you had to pick one food to ensure your lowest rates of dementia as you get older, blueberries are the thing – fresh or frozen it does not matter.” Did you know that blueberries have similar properties to cranberries and may help to prevent urinary tract infections? Blueberries prevent the adherence of E. coli to epithelial cells in the urinary tract. Blueberries can benefit every age group, especially for eye health. Those who spend long hours in front of computer screens, watching TV or playing video games will receive eye protection due to the radiation coming from these devices. In Japan, blueberries are dubbed the “vision fruit” where sales of blueberries have skyrocketed. Be blessed and be healthy! Ward W. Bond, Ph.D. |
