(December, 2002) -- Wild Blueberries are #1 in natural antioxidants. Now we know they are potent anti-inflammatories, too. In Health magazine’s December 2002 issue, blueberries are touted as one of the "New Superfoods " — foods that may help us beat pain and diseases caused by inflammation.

According to Anne Underwood, author of The New Superfoods (Health, 12/2002), "Researchers now believe that inflammation contributes to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and type II diabetes — and that anti-inflammatory compounds in your food can counteract it."

One way to reduce inflammatory damage is to "boost the body’s repair crews." According to author Anne Underwood, "Blueberries appear to be efficient handymen." Scientists studying the impact of inflammation and oxidative stress on the brain have shown that a blueberry-fortified diet can actually improve brain function in aging rats. The anti-inflammatory properties in blueberries appear to boost the protective proteins in the brain and help cells repair damage that can lead to a host of aging-related diseases and conditions.

"When it comes to produce, most berries are winners."
  Anne Underwood, The New Superfoods (Health, 12/2002)