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According to Dr. Liu, the CAA assay takes antioxidant measurement to a newlevel moving beyond test tube assays to bioactivity inside cells. "We'vetaken the next step toward understanding antioxidant activity by examining howantioxidants react with cells. This new approach is more biologically relevantas it accounts for uptake, metabolism, distribution and activity ofantioxidant compounds in cells versus solely looking at antioxidant value."Dr. Liu's work builds upon current antioxidant research using the chemistry ortest tube assays, like Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). "ORAC isstill a valuable test. What we've done is advance the research to see howthese compounds react with cells. We believe this is a stronger measure ofhow antioxidant compounds could potentially react in the body."
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According to USDA scientist and developer of the ORAC test Ron Prior,Ph.D., the CAA assay is an advancement. "The CAA assay provides informationregarding cellular levels of antioxidants which is important to ourunderstanding in this area of antioxidant research. How useful the assay willbe in predicting in vivo uptake and availability of dietary antioxidantsremains to be determined with further research."
Wild Blueberries: Nature's Antioxidant Superfruit
Wild Blueberry Association Nutrition Advisor Susan Davis, M.S., R.D.advises consumers to choose colorful, naturally nutrient-dense foods like WildBlueberries. "Wild Blueberries are packed with protective natural compoundswith antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Eat at least 1/2 cup of WildBlueberries every day as part of a well-balanced diet. Eating antioxidant-rich foods is key to weight management, reducing risks for chronic diseasesand healthy aging." According to Davis, antioxidants help protect cellsagainst free radicals-unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heartdisease, Alzheimer's and other effects of aging. A serving of WildBlueberries has more antioxidants than most other fruits. (Journal ofAgricultural and Food Chemistry, 52:4026-4037, 2004.)
Davis noted that Wild Blueberries are now available in supermarket freezercases nationwide. Individually quick-frozen, Wild Blueberries are frozen atthe peak of freshness and are just as nutritious as fresh. "It's easy toincorporate more fruits and vegetables into the family meal plan when you havefrozen on-hand," said Davis. "Just grab a half-cup of frozen Wild Blueberriesfrom the freezer, add them to cereal, make a smoothie or enjoy them as is."
Davis advises choosing a brightly colored fruits and vegetables which areloaded with health-promoting phytochemicals. Wild Blueberry phytochemicalsknown as anthocyanins give the fruit its deep blue color and are at work inthe body helping fend off environmental assault from poor diet, lack ofexercise or other stressors.
Wild Blueberry Association of North America
The Wild Blueberry Association of North America is a trade association ofgrowers and processors of Wild Blueberries from Maine, dedicated to bringingthe Wild Blueberry health story and unique Wild Advantages to consumers andthe trade worldwide. To learn more about Wild Blueberries visitwildblueberries.com
SOURCE Wild Blueberry Association of North America
