The extract of the bluish purple-black fruit of the heath family called "blueberry" is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, with a rich ethnobotanic and medicinal heritage. The antioxidant effect of blueberry extract holds the key to the health benefit of the fruit in that the interaction of the potent molecular ingredients with the cells and tissues is critical to any successful dietary supplementation. Available in a variety of locations in North America, the potent extract has been shown in several clinical studies to have outstanding health benefits, cutting across age-related mental ailments, including cognitive and motor issues, cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular illness, cholesterol problems and eye ailments.
Anti-Inflammatory, Cardiovascular and Anti-Aging Benefits
In an article in "Molecular Nutrition & Food Research" on the protective effects of blueberry, Catherine C. Neto, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, explains how the different phytochemicals including anthocyanins, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, modified cinnamic acids, stilbenes and triterpenoids protect against atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke and neuro-degenerative diseases of aging by acting at the genetic level and reducing inflammation and stress. Blueberry has also been seen as creating health benefits in other age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Researchers have studied the blueberry extract's effects on the brain to show its anti-inflammatory properties in terms of reversing the age-related cognitive and neurological ailments. Reversals of age-related declines in neuronal signal transduction, cognitive and motor behavioral deficits with blueberry, spinach or strawberry dietary supplementation, according to an article in "The Journal of Neuroscience" (see link in References). "Nutritional Neuroscience" documents its memory-enhancing effects and shows how the learning capacity of an individual similar to that observed in animal studies is enhanced. The mechanisms of action are not always clear given the intricate interaction among the different proteins and the chemical cocktail of the blueberry extract. But then, research is always active and as newer insights reveal the richness and potency of the blue fruit, health benefits can only increase, either alone or in combination with other fruit extracts.
Anticancer Benefits
In 2005, researchers at the University of Georgia identified potent anticancer phenolic compounds in blueberry extracts and the specific mechanisms by which they can stop colon cancer. Phenolic compounds from blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, according to findings in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." Other research has shown the benefits in prostate cancer as well; these have been traced to potent antioxidant phytochemicals called flavonoids and their impact on specific cancer proteins or enzymes. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase activity in DU145 human prostate cancer cells by flavonoids has occurred from low-bush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium). Another antioxidant termed ellagic acid has been linked to inhibition of mechanisms leading to cancer in certain rat studies. The effects of dietary ellagic acid on rat hepatic and esophageal mucosal cytochromes P450 and phase II enzymes. In addition, there are reports of its use in cancer of the cervix. Indeed, the potent anticancer properties need to be appreciated, especially in terms of prevention.
Eye Benefits
Several research studies have demonstrated that the phytochemicals in the fruit can prevent damage to eyes as well as in the treatment of shortsightedness, specifically. Taken regularly, especially if you are a diabetic, blueberries can significantly reduce your risk of eye ailments, such as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, as well as glaucoma, according to a few clinical studies. Harvard researchers have shown that blueberry extracts can diminish the risk of age-related macular degeneration. There are other encouraging reports from animal studies pointing to the benefits of blueberry extract in specific eye surgeries, such as intraocular transplantation.
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