Blueberries and Antioxidant Activity 

Antioxidants are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Fresh fruits, including blueberries, and vegetables contain many of these naturally occurring antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E.  Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries.  In addition, blueberries contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants.  Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (Boston, MA), blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity.  Using a test called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), researchers have shown that a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables. 

 

Blueberries came out on top in a comparison of the antioxidant power of 40 different types of fruits and vegetables at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University. While it is unrealistic to expect blueberries to be the fountain of youth, they are a healthy low glycemic-index carbohydrate and a good source of vitamin C and fiber (two grams per one-half cup serving). They also provide ellagic acid, a natural compound that inhibits tumor growth in laboratory mice. And, like cranberries, blueberries contain a substance that can help prevent urinary tract infections by interfering with the attachment of bacteria to the bladder wall.

Wild Blueberries emerged as the top antioxidant capacity fruit in a laboratory testing procedure called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity - ORAC - developed by the USDA. ORAC is recognized as the definitive measurement of antioxidant capacity. One-half cup of blueberries delivers as much antioxidant power as five serving of other fruits and vegetables such as peas, carrots, apples, squash and broccoli. High levels of anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, make  Wild Blueberries powerful allies in the fight against aging, heart disease and cancer. Called "Miracle Berries" by Prevention, "Super Food" by Health, and "Fruit of the Year" by Eating Well, little blueberries are making big news. Scientists attribute the health benefits of Wild Blueberries to anthocyanins and other natural compounds (phytochemicals) found in Wild Blueberries. Anthocyanins (from two Greek words meaning "plant" and "blue") are responsible for the intense blue and red pigments of fruits like Wild Blueberry.