What Berries Can Do for YOU!

What Berries Can Do for YOU! Berries are nutritional powerhouses whether they’re eaten fresh,frozen, dried, freeze-dried or powdered. But can they protect our brain and memory, melt fat and prevent urinary tract infections? What we know: Blueberries are packed with antioxidant power, which comes from high levels of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid or plant compound.They also contain significant amounts of micro nutrients and fiber. Noted: Billberries, a cousin of the blueberry, have been shown to promote eye health.Bilberry fruit contains chemicals known as anthocyanosides, plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties. They scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, helping to prevent or reverse damage to cells. Antioxidants have been shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and an eye disorder called macular degeneration. Bilberry also contains vitamin C, which is another antioxidant.

What’s inside: Cranberries have the same blue-red anthocyanin flavonoids. The tart, red berry is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, as well as a good source of manganese and copper.Emerging research: The compounds in cranberries called “pro anthocyanidins” may prevent bacteria from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection, said Dr. Catherine Neto, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.Cranberries may reduce the ability of H. pylori bacteria to live in the stomach and cause ulcers and reduce dental plaque. Neto’s research has shown in cell cultures, cranberry compounds reduce the growth and proliferation of breast, prostate and colon tumor cells.

For more information regarding this article or to learn about nutrition, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet of health regime. The Macular Degeneration Association is please to announce our next educational conference: New Treatments for Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 in Winter Haven, Fl. To learn more about this conference please visit us on the web. The Spring Educational Symposium will cover all the latest treatments and information about macular degeneration including genetic testing. Genetic Testing will be available for those individuals that show signs of macular degeneration or have been diagnosed with this disease. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your continued support.