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According to Dr. Liu, the CAA assay was developed to investigate howantioxidant compounds found in foods react inside cells, using human livercancer cells as the testing model. The CAA assay takes antioxidantmeasurement to a new level moving beyond test tube assays to bioactivityinside cells. The CAA assay is a more biologically relevant method than thechemistry antioxidant activity assays as it accounts for uptake, metabolism,distribution and activity of antioxidant compounds within cells versus solelylooking at antioxidant value. The CAA assay is the first movement in theantioxidant field away from test tube chemistry assays and toward cell-basedantioxidant activity assay.
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The recently published study shows the cellular antioxidant activity of 25common fruits, an expansion from earlier CAA testing done in 2007. (Journalof Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2007; 55 (22), 8896-8907). "In expandingthe test to include more fruits, we found that Wild Blueberries had thehighest antioxidant activity, with other berries and pomegranates also showingstrong performance. While further testing is needed to confirm how dietaryantioxidants are absorbed by and go to work in the human body to preventcancer and other chronic diseases, we're encouraged by the response in thisinitial screening measure," said Dr. Liu.
Wild Blueberry Association Nutrition Advisor Susan Davis, M.S., R.D.advises choosing brightly colored fruits and vegetables with an emphasis onberries. According to Davis, berries are naturally rich in anthocyanins,protective plant compounds responsible for the deep blue color of fruits likeWild Blueberries. Anthocyanins have potential antioxidant andanti-inflammatory effects, and are being studied for their possiblepreventative role in fighting cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and othereffects of aging.
"The CAA assay results present more evidence that antioxidant-rich foodslike Wild Blueberries, when eaten as part of a well-balanced diet, have thepotential to reduce chronic disease risk and promote healthy aging," saidDavis. The USDA recommends between 1 to 2 1/2 cups of fruit per day dependingon age, gender and activity level. According to the USDA, just 1/2 cup offruit delivers one fruit serving. "Look for Wild Blueberries in the frozenfruit section of your local supermarket. Frozen fruit is just as nutritiousas fresh, and gives you the added convenience of having great tasting fruiton-hand every day. Just toss a half-cup onto your cereal, whip up a smoothieor enjoy them right out of the bag," continued Davis. For more easy usage andrecipe ideas visit http://wildblueberries.com/recipes.
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 and Canada, dedicated tobringing the Wild Blueberry health story and unique Wild Advantages toconsumers and the trade worldwide. To learn more about Wild Blueberries visithttp://wildblueberries.com.
SOURCE Wild Blueberry Association of North America
