This berry scores another point in wellness promotion
Blueberry muffins, fresh blueberry syrup on whole-grain pancakes, a blueberry fruit smoothie that’s the perfect shade of purplish-blue…
No matter how you choose to enjoy blueberries, just be sure you choose them!
Some promising new research on rats brings promise of a natural colon-cancer preventative for humans. Pterostilbene, a compound in blueberries, was found to prevent the development of colon tumors. In the study, rats were given a compound that encourages colon cancer to grow—mimicking the same pathology in humans.
Next, the rats were divided into two groups. One group was placed on a balanced diet, and the other was placed on a diet that was supplemented with pterostilbene.
At the end of the eight-week study, the rats that had received the supplement of pterostilbene showed 57 percent fewer precancerous colon lesions than were found in the group that had the balanced diet alone.
But that wasn’t all. Pterostilbene was also effective against colon-cancer risk factors, reducing the spread of colonic cells and also suppressing genes in inflammation.
Blueberries—high in antioxidants—are already acclaimed for their cholesterol-lowering ability, as well as for offering a glimmer of hope as protection against the loss of mental ability through neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. And if you have a craving for sweets, try a handful of blueberries. Low on the glycemic index, they won’t send your blood-sugar levels into a tailspin. As an added bonus—they contain filling fiber. I enjoy them on my morning oatmeal and also add them to a type of smoothie I like to make, along with some walnuts or almond butter and some whey protein.
Whoever said healthy eating can’t be delicious?
