Be Good to Your Cells with Antioxidant-Rich Wild Blueberries

29/03/07 Selecting colorful, naturally nutrient-dense foods like Wild Blueberries, which are packed with protective natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, is important in designing a diet for optimal health and wellness. Antioxidants help protect cells against free radicals -- unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and other effects of aging. A serving of Wild Blueberries has more antioxidants than most other fruits, am-packed with the cell protection every body can use.

According to recent studies published in the April issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Americans aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables, continuing to miss the mark on current Dietary Guidelines. Public health experts agree, eating a healthy diet rich in colorful fruit and vegetables may help with weight management and may reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Fruits and Veggies -- More Matters

The Produce for Better Health Foundation's recently launched Fruits and Veggies -- More Matters campaign is one example of a national call to action on dietary change. "The chronic health effects associated with a poor diet are alarming. If we increase the energy behind messages that promote wholesome foods, and make fruits and vegetables more accessible and convenient, we can help move consumption figures in a positive direction," said Susan Davis, MS, RD, Nutrition Advisor to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. According to Davis, the Wild Blueberry Association supports the Produce for Better Health campaign which encourages Americans to consider all forms: fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100-percent juice. Davis noted that Wild Blueberries are now available in supermarket freezer cases nationwide. Individually quick-frozen, Wild Blueberries are frozen at the peak of freshness and are just as nutritious as fresh.

Naturally Nutrient-Rich Foods
 
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005 and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid food guidance system both emphasize choosing nutrient- dense foods, or foods that provide the most vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for the fewest calories. A charter member of the Naturally Nutrient Rich Coalition, the Wild Blueberry Association is collaborating with other commodities to advance this important dietary concept. "Bottom line, the calories you consume should be hard working with an extra nutritional boost. Wild Blueberries do exactly that with only 45 calories per serving, lots of vitamins and minerals and the ever-important phytochemical contribution."

Color Your Plate

Davis emphasized selection of brightly colored fruits and vegetables for superior nutritional benefits. "The more colorful the better in terms of the concentration of health-promoting phytochemicals," said Davis. Anthocyanins, the phytochemical compounds responsible for the Wild Blueberry's blue color, are powerful allies in the fight against aging, dementia, heart disease and cancer, noted Davis. "Boost your phytochemical intake by tossing a handful of Wild Blueberries onto your cereal or into yogurt or a fruit smoothie. Just grab one-half cup from the freezer and go. It's that easy to get the blues."