Wild Blueberries Reveal Highest Antioxidant Activity

PORTLAND, Maine—New research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2008;56(18):8418-26) showed wild blueberries have the highest cellular antioxidant activity of the 25 fruits tested including, apples, bananas, red grapes and strawberries, as well as the highest total phenolic content and ORAC in an expanded test using the Cellular Antioxidant Activity (CAA) assay.
“In expanding the test to include more fruits, we found wild blueberries had the highest antioxidant activity, with other berries and pomegranates also showing strong performance. While further testing is needed to confirm how dietary antioxidants are absorbed by and go to work in the human body to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases, we’re encouraged by the response in this initial screening measure,” said lead scientist Rui Hai Liu, Ph.D.
Wild Blueberry Association nutrition advisor Susan Davis, M.S., R.D., advised choosing brightly colored fruits and vegetables with an emphasis on berries. According to Davis, berries are naturally rich in anthocyanins, protective plant compounds responsible for the deep blue color of fruits like wild blueberries. Anthocyanins have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and are being studied for their possible preventative role in fighting cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and other effects of aging.