BAR
HARBOR, Maine (October 19, 2001) -- In an American
Dietetic Association symposium entitled "Fruits
and Vegetables' Effects On Brain Aging," James
A. Joseph, Ph.D., Chief of the Neuroscience Laboratory
at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on
Aging at Tufts University will present preliminary
research demonstrating the potential connection
between the consumption of fruits and vegetables
and successful aging. Dr. Joseph will report that
a diet of blueberries may improve motor skills
and reverse the short-term memory loss that comes
with aging. USDA animal trials showed improved
navigational skills after a two-month diet of blueberry
extract. Although other fruits and vegetables were
studied, only blueberries were effective in improving
motor behavior. (Source: Journal of Neuroscience,
September 15, 1999, 19(18); 8114-8121.)
Daily Dose of Blue™
The Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA) intends to
focus its consumer marketing efforts on educating the public as to
the importance of color when selecting fruits and vegetables. With
new research linking health properties directly to the plant compounds
that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors, WBANA will
aggressively promote Wild Blueberries as Nature's Healthy Blue Food™.
Recent discoveries have attributed potential antioxidant and anti-aging
benefits to anthocyanins and other natural compounds (phytochemicals)
found in the deep blue pigment of Wild Blueberries. Anthocyanins
(from two Greek words meaning "plant" and "blue") are responsible
for the berry's blue color.
"We're going to tell consumers that they should
be adding a half-cup of Wild Blueberries to their
daily 5 A Day program for healthy eating. We're
calling it the 'Daily Dose of Blue™' campaign," said
WBANA Executive Director John Sauvé. According
to Sauvé, just a half-cup of Wild Blueberries
satisfies one of the recommended 5 A Day servings
of fruits and vegetables. In fact, the USDA ranks
blueberries #1 in antioxidant activity. (Source: Journal
of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 44:701-705;
3426-3431, 1996; 46:2686-2693, 1998.) Antioxidants
are known to help fight cancer, heart disease and
aging.
5 A Day
The National Cancer Institute's and the Produce for Better Health Foundation's
5 A Day program will also turn its attention to the color story,
according to Sauvé. The groups have collaborated on the "Sample
the Spectrum" program which is color-focused. "There is an emerging
national discussion about the important role color could play in
the ongoing struggle to get consumers to eat more fruits and vegetables," said
Sauvé. "WBANA intends to work with groups like the National
Cancer Institute and the Produce for Better Health Foundation to
advance this plan for successful aging."
The Color Code
Dr. Joseph expects the release of his new book "The Color Code" co-authored
by Daniel Nadeau, MD in March 2002. The book promotes a very simple
multicolored eating plan to prevent most common age-related illnesses. "My
experience in the area of aging research and more specifically my most
recent work with blueberries has made me a believer in pigment power," said
Dr. Joseph. "We've always known that fruits and vegetables are good
for you, but now we're starting to find out why. The natural compounds
that make blueberries blue or spinach green are powerful allies in
the fight against aging."
WBANA is an international trade association of
growers and processors of Wild Blueberries from
Maine, Atlantic Canada and Quebec, dedicated to
bringing Wild Blueberries to consumers worldwide.
SOURCE: Wild Blueberry Association of North America
CONTACTS: John Sauvé, Wild Blueberry Association of North America,
(207) 288-2655 or Susan Till, SWARDLICK MARKETING GROUP, (207) 775-4100.
WEB SITE: www.wildblueberries.com |
