BAR HARBOR, Maine (December 30, 1998) -- In the current January/February 1999 issue of Eating Well magazine, blueberries are named "Fruit of The Year." Blueberries have risen to the top because of recent research findings pointing to potential health and nutrition benefits.

"We always knew that Wild Blueberries tasted great," said John Sauvé, Executive Director of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA). "Now we know that Wild Blueberries may be good for you. Wild Blueberries have the unique distinction of being the tastiest way to get your antioxidants."

Bursting onto the health scene in 1998, blueberries are gaining recognition as nature's antioxidant powerhouse. Recent studies conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University ranked blueberries number one in antioxidant activity when compared with 40 other commercially available fruits and vegetables. (Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 44:701-705; 3426-3343, 1996; 46:2686-2693, 1998)

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 and red pigments of fruits like Wild Blueberries.

"One-half cup of 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."

According to WBANA's John Sauvé, the distinction of blueberries being named "Fruit of The Year" comes during a period of powerful health discoveries. While long known as a good source of vitamin C and fiber, with no fat, cholesterol or sodium, Wild Blueberries have proven to be more beneficial from a health perspective than originally imagined.

"Research has demonstrated that Wild Blueberries may pack a significant health punch," said Sauvé. "Not only do we know that blueberries are number one in antioxidant activity, but we also know that blueberries, like cranberries, may help promote urinary tract health. With all these positive health findings, it's no wonder that blueberries have been named 'Fruit of The Year'."

"I anticipate the health news will continue to unfold, given the significant research planned for the coming year," added Sauvé. "By the handful or glassful, Wild Blueberries are the tastiest way to get a Daily Dose of Blue."

According to Susan Davis, MS, RD, nutrition advisor to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA) and a Registered Dietitian, Wild Blueberries are making a name for themselves in the nutrition world as a result of their recently discovered antioxidant capacity and similarities to cranberries in supporting urinary tract health.

"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.

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.