These amazing fruits contain anthocyanin, a host of other antioxidants, and vitamins. This high content of healthy compounds gives the American Highbrush Blueberry the distinction of being the only one of all fruits and vegetables to contain the highest level of active antioxidants.¹ These antioxidants prevent the formation of harmful free radicals. These free radicals are responsible for the degradation of collagen, damage to the lymphatic system, DNA, and protein structures among vital biological systems and processes. This damage can further lead to many negative effects on the human body such as coronary thrombosis, cancer, joint deterioration and general weakness of the immune system.²

To effectively fight these free radicals, minerals are especially important. Minerals such as selenium, zinc, copper, and magnesium are all found in these blueberries.

Recently, more attention has been payed to the role of the pharmacological effects of antioxidants.

The most important antioxidants are found within the skin of the blueberry and give the blueberry it's special blue hue. They help circulation by cleaning plaque, preserve the elasticity of vascular walls, increasing capillary strength, and promote healthy viscosity of the blood.

The blueberry's flavonoids have a positive effect on night vision, quicken dark-adjust times, and can even correct short-sightedness. Diseases of the retina are sometimes cured with antioxidant therapies and even purple color response can be restored in deficient patients. In a comparison with other fruits, the American Highbrush Blueberry has the highest anthocyanin. Tests claim of the 25 total anthocyanins, strawberries have 3mg, black currants and chokeberries have 4mg, and raspberries 5mg. The flaivonoid content in American Highbrush Blueberries is a staggering 63-484mg in 100g. The content depends on the ripeness and size of the berry.³

The American Highbush Blueberry also contains quercetin, cempheral, catechin, procyndanid as well as fenal acid groups including chlorogenic acids. These acids allow the American Highbush to actually heal someone. The levels are usually from 25-208mg per 100g and is the highest among similar fruits. These substances have antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as function as an antimutagen in DNA.

In testing conducted in the US and Canada, drinking blueberry juice to treat urinary tract infections works by decreasing the ability of E. Coli bacteria to stick to the epithelium in the bladder and urinary tract. Laboratory experiments involving rats proved that a blueberry fruit extract was successful in slowing the effects of aging. Scientists conducting the experiments suggest that the compounds present in berries can reverse mental impairment and improve motor coordination that results from aging.⁴

Blueberries also contain egalic & folic acids, whose effects are currently being researched. Preliminary results indicate that they are potent cancer fighting compounds. Testing in mice has indicated that egalic acid halts the development of liver, lung and esophageal tumors. This testing also has shown folic acid prevents ovarian cancer and protects the fetus during development. ⁵ The fiber and fruit pectins present in blueberries are important aspects of a healthy diet. They are not specifically nutritionally important, however, they help to keep the intestines healthy by speeding up parasystalis, or the movement of matter through the digestive system. Fiber and fruit pectins also are quite filling.

Research carried out in Finland has discovered that the phytoestrogens present in blueberries protect from arterial sclerosis and heart disease by lowering LDL, the bad cholesterol. Simultaneously, these phytoestrogens promote healthy HDL levels, the good cholesterol.⁶

The American Blueberry is not only a delectable fruit, but also one that stands out with its varied virtues. It is important to stress that it is a part of a healthy lifestyle. The American Blueberry fights a large number of human ailments, thanks to which, it enjoys evergrowing popularity and use.

Original Polish text by Mateusz Pilch

Translation from the original Polish by J. Boshinski