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Blueberry FAQ What is blueberry? The blueberry is the fruit of a shrub native to North America. Much research has shown that blueberries provide health benefits in the areas of anti-aging, antioxidant action, disease prevention, treatment of urinary tract infection, improving eyesight and controlling cholesterol. Does the blueberry have anti-Cancer properties? Yes. Phenolic compounds from blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). The ellagic acid in blueberries also blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer. In addition, blueberry flavonoids down-regulate structure-degrading enzymes that enables cancerous cells to spread and invade other tissues. What is the best form of blueberry to take? If possible, it is best to consume blueberries in their natural state. The constituent parts of the fruit work synergistically to provide maximum benefit. At this stage, there is no scientific evidence that freezing blueberries reduces their beneficial health effects. Can blueberries help me to fight cholesterol? Yes. A compound in blueberries called pterostilbene is an effective activator of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha isoform (PPAR-alpha - a cell receptor involved in the absorption of compounds into cells for use in energy production). |