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
