by James Lynne

Created on: March 26, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

If Ponce de Leon had searched for the Fountain of Youth in the Blueberry Patch instead of the Florida peninsula he might still be with us today as a very old, yet youthful man. The antioxidant effect of blueberries is one of nature's most effective guardians against the ravages of age on the human body. Blueberries provide innumerable nutritional benefit.

The tiny little blueberry is a medicinal marvel according to blueberry researchers. Within its DNA we find a number of chemical compounds that counter the aging process in humans. Blueberries not only taste good. They are apparently quite good for us.

Nutritional benefits attributed to the blueberry:

* Diminishes cholesterol issues

* Prevents or delays age related ocular problems

* Is a source of dietary fiber

* Wards off certain types of cancer

* Improves autoimmune functioning

* Assists in urinary tract health

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, chemicals known to lower bad cholesterol, promote heart muscle strength and blood flow, protect the body against some types of cancer, and also improve the immune system. Antioxidants work to neutralize the aging effects of "free radicals" within the cells of the human body.

Free radicals are unstable molecules within our cells that contribute to cell degeneration. For the body to remain healthy and youthful the "regeneration" process that revitalizes cells is important. Not all of the body's cells regenerate, but by slowing the degeneration process in general we can remain healthy longer. Slowing the effects of free radicals that negatively impact the body's ability to regenerate its cells slows the aging process.

The USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston, Massachusetts reports that Blueberries are among those fruits containing the highest antioxidant ability. In lab tests utilizing rats, not only did the blueberry fed rats perform better but marked changes in their brain physiology indicated improved neuron activity. Anthocyanin, the compound responsible for the blueberry's blue color, also contributes to improved memory, cognition, and problem solving.

Considering the large and aging Baby Boomer population in the US, additional research into the nutritional benefits of blueberries could bring about significant positive social impact for this population. According to numerous preliminary research studies involving humans, it appears that humans who eat a cup of blueberries daily can expect a visible and measurable health improvement.

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