Wild Blueberry

• Naturally grown in Maine, Atlantic Canada and Quebec, wild blueberries are harvested between July and early September.
• These berries are “wild” because they are naturally occurring stands and are a mixture of many plant varieties that differ in size, color and complex flavors.
• Wild blueberries are about 1/3 size of their cultivated cousins and are the lowbush variety growing4”-12” high.
• A staple in Native American diets and canned for soldiers during the Civil War.
• Available in stores as frozen, juice, dried and canned.

Health Benefits

• Wild Blueberries are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds which account for high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Anthocyanins, the phytochemical compounds responsible for the wild blueberry’s intense blue color, are powerful antioxidants.
• Scientists are studying how antioxidant-rich wild blueberries may help combat disease and promote healthy aging.
• Potential benefits include: brain health, cancer prevention, heart health, urinary tract health, and vision health.
• Heart health: research indicates that wild blueberries may protect against heart disease and damage from stroke.
• Brain health: ongoing research shows wild blueberries may improve motor skills and reverse short-term memory loss that occurs with aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
• Cancer prevention: studies show wild blueberry compounds may interfere with all stages of cancer development.
• Urinary tract health: wild blueberries, like cranberries, contain compounds that prevent bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections from attaching to the bladder wall.
• Wild blueberries are a good source of fiber and excellent source of manganese, a compound important in multiple enzyme pathways.
• Total antioxidant capacity of 1 cup of wild blueberries is 13,400 micromoles of Trolox Equivalent. (92/g) as measured by the ORAC assay.