The Healthy Blueberry
 In our yard we have a few blueberry bushes, and in the woodlands that surround our community. I used to pick many each season until there was an increase in the number of bears in the area...now I'm just a bit nervous in the woods. We have also picked them in Maine during vacations. Each night I eat them in yogurt with a bit of vanilla and sweetened with a natural herbal sweetener called Stevia. Read on for some of the health benefits of this wonderful berry.
Recent USDA studies show that Blueberries are a tasty way to eat right and stay healthy. Scientists at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University ranked blueberries #1 in antioxidant activity compared with 40 other commercially available fruits and vegetables. Dr. James Joseph, PhD, Chief of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University is working with blueberries to examine their potential to help improve motor skills and reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging.
"The blueberry has emerged as a very powerful food in the aging battle," said Dr. Joseph. "Given the possibility that blueberries may reverse short-term memory loss and forestall other effects of aging, their potential may be very great." A University of Illinois study by Mary Ann Lila Smith, PhD, looked at a particular flavonoid that inhibits an enzyme involved in promoting cancer. Of the fruits tested, blueberries showed the greatest anti-cancer activity of all.
According to research findings at the Rutgers Blueberry Cranberry Research Center in Chatsworth, N.J., blueberries help promote urinary tract health. Explains Rutgers scientist Amy Howell, PhD, blueberries, like cranberries, contain compounds that prevent the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections from attaching to the bladder wall. Blueberries, like their European cousins, bilberries, have very high concentrations of anthocyanin, a natural compound linked with many health benefits including reducing eyestrain and improving night vision.
For a healthy summertime treat, get the blender ready and combine cup of blueberries, 2 tablespoons of ElectriPhi, 8 to 10 oz. of water and 2 or 3 ice cubes. Blend for about 20 seconds and serve with a few fresh blueberries and a mint leaf.
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