BAR HARBOR, Maine (July 22, 1998) -- Wild Blueberries are gaining recognition as nature's antioxidant powerhouse. Health Magazine's Guide to 50 Super Foods identified blueberries as a Super Food as a result of their recent number-one ranking in antioxidant activity when compared with 40 other fruits and vegetables. (Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 44:701-705; 3426-3343, 1996; 2696-2693, 1998)

According to John Sauv¸, Executive Director of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA), this is great news for today's nutrition- and health-conscious consumer. "Wild Blueberries now have the unique distinction of being a Super Food as well as Nature's great-tasting healthy blue food," says Sauv¸. "While we've long known Wild Blueberries are nutritious, we're just now learning how significant a health punch Wild Blueberries pack. In the months ahead, we'll be reminding consumers to get their Daily Dose of Blue."

Sauv¸ points to recent studies conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University, which ranked blueberries number one in antioxidant activity when compared with 40 other fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are natural substances found in fruits and vegetables which neutralize free radicals -- unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging.

Scientists attribute these benefits to anthocyanins and other natural compounds (phytochemicals) found in Wild Blueberries. Anthocyanins (from two Greek words meaning "plant" and "blue") are responsible for the intense blue color of Wild Blueberries. "One-half cup of Wild Blueberries delivers as much antioxidant power as 5 servings of other fruits and vegetables -- such as peas, carrots, apples, squash and broccoli," says Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D., director of the USDA research studies. "While variety is still the key to a healthy diet, I'm eating blueberries regularly."

Growing Interest In Nutraceuticals

According to Susan Davis, MS, RD, nutrition advisor to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA) and a Registered Dietitian, studies of the therapeutic or nutraceutical properties of Wild Blueberries are significant for the consumer. "Wild Blueberries are making a name for themselves in the nutrition world as a result of their recently discovered antioxidant capacity," says Davis. "This will help them earn increased recognition as a 'good for you' food."

"We have known for quite some time that diets high in fruits and vegetables protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases of aging. Studies such as these on Wild Blueberries are beginning to explain why."

"Consumers interested in eating healthy and protecting themselves against disease need to eat a minimum of five one-half cup servings of fruits and vegetables and ideally 'reach for ten'. Making blue part of the equation makes good sense."

Wild Blueberries, which are commercially harvested only in Maine and eastern Canada, are available year-round in a variety of forms, including frozen, dried, canned and concentrated. WBANA is an international trade association of growers and processors of Wild Blueberries from Maine and Canada.