blueberry

July 20, 2006

It's blueberry season again! Blueberries are one the most healthful

fruits you can consume. With a mildly sweet flavor, blueberries are

packed with antioxidants and nutrients that have a myriad number of

benefits in the body, and can be consumed by both the young and old,

and the healthy and sick. In a recent study of 60 different fruits

blueberries came out on top in terms their capacity to scavenge

health damaging free radicals that promote disease and aging. While

researchers usually attribute the benefits of blueberries to their

anthocyanin content, blueberries also contain significant amount of

ellagic acid, a phytochemical that is also present in health-giving

fruits such as Amalaki. From an Ayurvedic perspective, I consider

the fresh, ripe blueberries to have a particular affinity for pitta

and vata conditions. They do however contain small amounts of

oxalates, and so patients with kidney stones might want to be

cautious of eating too much, but it is important to note that many

Vaccinium species, including Cranberry and Bilberry are actually

_used_ to treat kidney disorders, so this risk may only be theoretical.

In our home, we are voracious consumers of blueberries. Eating them

fresh is best, or stirred into the morning porridge after its cooked.

Avoid cooking blueberries however, as heat will destroy their health-

giving benefits. Avoid eating them for desert or after meals, as

like any fruit, they will tend to cause fermentation, gas and

bloating. I recommend purchasing large volumes during this season,

washing and drying them, and then freezing them for consumption

throughout the remainder of the year. If you cannot do this, you can

also buy a blueberry solid extract, which has particularly value in

circulatory disorders and vision problems associated with diabetes.

For more information, see:

in health...

Caldecott

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