I love the aroma of blueberries. Nothing like the smell of blueberries to bring back memories of home and the pancakes mom used to make. But there’s more to these delicious fruits aside perking up pancakes and vodka. For a start, blueberries are well known for its high antioxidant properties. The USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, in fact has named the blueberry as the best source of antioxidants among other fruits and vegetables.
Further research revealed that daily servings – aside from delaying the aging process can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and also improve one’s memory and brain functioning. This was attributed to a compound in the blueberry, called anthocyanin, a compound also responsbile for the berry’s colour. More tests and research are being done, but the results continue to show promise. Controlled subjects who have consumed cup of blueberries a day have shown asmuch as 5-6 percent increase in their motor skills. With rapidly aging populations in Europe and the US – it is high time for the nutritional health and healing properties of blueberries take centerstage.
