Antioxidants in blueberries

Blueberries burst with flavor and good health. Blueberries rank highly among fruit for their antioxidant capacity which has been attributed to their phenolic content. The dark blue pigment in blueberries contains phenols called anthocyanins and it has powerful antioxidant capabilities.

The antioxidant capacity of blueberry fruit, measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, ranged between 19 and 130 μmol Trolox ( a water-soluble vitamin E analogue) equivalents per g FW among  20 blueberry genotypes representing lowbush, highbush and rabbiteye,

Antioxidants have been found to generate diverse positive impacts on human health and the highest benefits are obtained by the consumption of fresh fruit. The antioxidants in blueberries protect the cells in human body from damage by free radicals. This damage can come from too much sun exposure, pollution, foods with unhealthy fats, and even as a byproduct of normal metabolism.

Antioxidants such as vitamin E may protect against dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. In the rat brain tocopherols such as vitamin E have major anti-inflammatory properties which protect neurons.

They also scavenge reactive nitrogen species that contribute to lipid oxidation in the brain.
Antioxidants in blueberries