Blueberries

Research is showing that blueberries contain a number of compounds that have medicinally beneficial properties. The earliest recorded use of blueberry for medicinal purposes dates from the Middle Ages, and it has been used in European folk medicine since the 16th century. Some of its reported medicinal benefits include preventing urinary tract infections, antioxidant (anti-cancer) activity, reducing heart disease risk, strengthening collagen, regulating blood sugar, improving night vision, reducing replication of the HIV virus, and treating diarrhea.

Research has been done by Rutgers Lab in New Jersey, and by scientists in Israel on the ability of blueberries to prevent urinary tract infections. The compounds inhibit the binding E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract wall, thus preventing the bacteria from invading the tissues and causing an infection. Treatment with blueberry compounds offers an alternative to the use of antibiotics.

Recent work indicates that blueberries contain compounds having anti-cancer properties. They act to induce enzymes that protect against cancer and reduce rapid tumor growth. A survey of the antioxidant capacity of a number of fruits and vegetables conducted by Dr. Ron Pryor of the USDA placed blueberry at the top of the list.