Researchers from the US and Canada have gathered to discuss the value of wild blueberries. Meeting at the Wild Blueberry Health Research Summit in Bar Harbour, Main, scientists have revealed findings from clinical trials with wild blueberries and hope to uncover their influence on brain and cellular health.
Research indicates that wild blueberries play a significant role in cognitive performance. Polyphenols, found in blueberries are believed to reduce inflammation in the brain. The report stated: “these results indicate that blueberry polyphenols attenuate learning impairments following neurotoxic insult and exert anti-inflammatory actions, perhaps via alteration of gene expression.”
Wild blueberries are dubbed an ‘antioxidant superfriut’. They have been found to have the highest antioxidant capacity per serving, compared with more than 20 other fruits, including cranberries, strawberries, plums, raspberries, and cultivated blueberries. The bioactivity inside the cells of the berries enables compounds to react in the body in a unique way. Already investigated is the comparative activity at the cellular level of wild blueberries, cranberries, apples, red and greed grapes. Wild blueberries performed superiorly.
Antioxidants are important to health because they protect the body against harmful diseases and age-related health problems. The phytonutrients found in blueberries (and some other fruits) stabilise oxygen molecules, neutralise free radicals and reduce cell damage – imperative functions in the fight against cancer, heart disease, and the symptoms of ageing.
Other research includes how blueberry-enhanced diets can help with childhood obesity, the prevention of disease, and their impact on longevity. Scientists also hope to prove their effectiveness on oxidative stress and inflammation. Their role in reducing inflammation is important because this is thought to be related to brain aging diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Susan Davis, nutrition advisor from the Wild Blueberry Association of North America said: “There’s no question that research into the role of Wild Blueberries has intensified. The ways in which Wild Blueberries can promote health are only just being uncovered. For instance, in addition to fighting oxidative stress, we now believe blueberries have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. There are many areas of health that are being investigated making this an exciting time for Wild Blueberry health research.”
Other results from studies into the merits of blueberries suggest they offer substantial benefits in treating depression symptoms, and improving cued recall. There is also a great deal of interest into how the fruit helps satiety.
The Wild Blueberry Association of North America represents the trade association between growers and producers from Maine, US and Canada. The Summit comprises of researchers from the fields of neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, oncology, and eye health.
