Blueberries Are Better Than You Think
Is eating a lot of blueberries and strawberries the secret to living a long and healthy life? As it turns out, those two fruits, particularly blueberries, are among natures most powerful antioxidant compounds, according to a recent laboratory analysis of about 40 fruits, vegetables, and juices by the US Department of Agriculture.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing unstable free radicals - oxygen molecules that can be produced by environmental pollutants as well as the body's own metabolism.
It is believed that by eating a diet rich in foods containing antioxidants, it may be possible to prevent cancer, heart disease, and other ailments. In addition, some flavonoids such as those found in grape juice, have been shown to inhibit the ability of blood cells know as platelets from sticking to artery walls, lessening the chance of heart disease and stroke.
Just 3.5 ounces of blueberries, enough to cover a bowl of cereal in the morning, has the antioxidant capacity of 1,773 International Units of vitamin E. Now, most people have heard about the antioxidant power of substances such as vitamins C, E, and beta carotene. What most don't know is that fruits and vegetables, especially blueberries, are like Super Vitamins filled with dozens of other disease-preventing substances!
Courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
