In the world of nutritional
fruits, blueberries are loaded with powerful antioxidants. Based
on the findings in medical science, foods in rich, deep pigments
of blue and purple represent the presence of antioxidants which
have been found to help prevent the risk of diseases such as
heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
Phytochemical studies are the hottest
trends in nutritional research. The latest findings depict how
blueberries may stunt the aging process. At Tufts University,
researchers examined the relationship between blueberries and
memory in laboratory rats. When rats were fed blueberry extracts,
the results showed an improvement in cognitive, neural, and
motor functions.
Another study conducted by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture suggested that blueberries may reduce
cholesterol. The findings demonstrated how blueberries may be
as efficacious at commercial drugs that treat cholesterol.
Scientists evaluated blueberries to
prove the power of their composition. To measure the potency
of various fruits, scientists gauged the oxygen radical absorbance
(ORAC) in blueberries which have an ORAC of 2,400. Most berry
fruits have high ORAC levels. For example, blackberries have
2,030. Other berries with oxygen radical absorbance’s over 1,000
include cranberries, raspberries and strawberries.
Blueberries Versus Prunes
In the world of fruits, another, antioxidant
ally is prunes. They contain abundant vitamins and minerals.
For example, they are loaded with vitamin A, potassium, iron,
magnesium and fiber. These vitamins and minerals are beneficial
because they provide a sense of well-being, balance, invigorate
the body, all while preventing disease.
Dissimilar to blueberries, prunes are
high in calories. For example, one prune has between 22-26 calories.
For individuals with irritable bowel syndrome or loose bowels,
prunes act very much like a laxative may need to be avoided.
Nonetheless, both prunes and blueberries are excellent toppings
on yogurts, cereals and other foods.
|
