Herbal Blog

Blueberries (Sc. name: Vaccinium corymbosum) contain an antioxidant called anthocyanidins which neutralize free radicals which can cause damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues. When free radicals destroy the basic architecture of the body the ones that give ways are the delicate organs such as the eyes leading to cataracts, glaucoma, the blood vessels giving rise to varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and when repair becomes chaotic then there is a very high risk for cancer.

Anthocyanins, which give blueberries their deep blue-red color provides the  nutritional support that improve the strength and integrity of the basement tissues of the body. This is actually the entire human body including the skin. Furthermore as bioactive substances, anthocyanins enhances the effect of vitamins, especially vitamin C. This enhancement improves the effect of vitamin C resulting in better blood flow, less bleeding tendencies because of improved collagen strength.

This implies that Vitamins cannot by themselves account for the health effects they give but also the synergy with other bioactive nutrients of food.

Although blueberries are seldom found in the Philippines, there are other counterparts of these such as aratiles (Sc.name: Muntingia calabura, bignay (Sc. name: Antidesma bunius) and duhat (Sc. name: Syzygium cumini).

Note: Blueberries are grown in Baguio and are directly exported.

Photos from:
Blueberry – www.chicshaping.com
Aratiles – flickr.com/photos/micholsanchez/1786080646/
Duhat – fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Duhat
Bignay – www.tradewindfruits.com

Many of us have tasted red wine and may have heard about its benefits in protecting the heart by reducing fat deposition. Observations of the French population and coupled with biochemical research point heavily on the substance called RESVERATROL as the bio-active principle. Many have taken a keen interest on the potential health benefits of polyphenols and RESVERATROL in red wine. What we know now is that polyphenols and resveratrol achieve high concentrations if red wine goes to fermentation, but it does not need to be; these bioactive substances are naturally present in Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cupsidatum) and pomegranate (Punica granatum). Commercially prepared resveratrol comes from the Japanese knotweed. They sometimes call resveratrol as the exercise pill or capsule because of its ability to achieve weight reduction. While many may not be able to drink red wine daily as the French people do, we could find pomegranate as an alternative. Resveratrol is no considered to have a very high potential as anti-cancer.

I happen to see a good source of pomegranate in Market Market, Bonifacio Global City (http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/content/market_market.asp). Just stroll by the fruit section and you will probably find good fruits such as the very nutritious and medicinal pomegranate. More recently, I saw some in Shopewise Alabang.

If you like preparing the wonder juice, just take out the seeds and put them in a blender and turn it on in burst of cycles, a few cycles would do so as not to destroy the seeds and make your juice a bit bitter. Pour the blend into a strainer to separate the seeds and you have the pomegranate juice which is rich in polyphenols and of course, RESVERATROL.