SELF magazine, November 2003- Nutritionists vote blueberries “best fruit” in a list of twelve essential foods.

SELF asked a panel of nutritional experts - including Dr. Andrew Weil, author of Eating Well For Optimum Health, Sharon Tyler Herbst, author of The Food Lover’s Companion, and 34 members of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) - to come up with a “dream team” of super foods that would give them “more energy for fewer calories - and a body built to last.” Despite stiff competition from stellar fruits like kiwi, cranberry, orange and cantaloupe, blueberries were voted “best fruit” by the survey respondents. Also on the list are such nutrition powerhouses as tomatoes (best salad topper), wheat bread (best whole grain), almonds (best snack), fish (best protein source), and green tea (best hot drink).

Citing the blueberry’s high level of anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant concentrated in the berry’s blue pigments, the article also quoted Joanne Shearer, R.D., a dietitian at Heart Hospital of South Dakota, who said blueberries also “contain phytonutrients like lutein and fiber, which reduce the risk for diabetes and circulatory problems.” While all blueberries have high antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory properties, new research* shows that Wild Blueberries (lowbush) are even higher in antioxidants than cultivated (highbush) varieties.

The article also touted the high nutritional value of frozen blueberries, which, according to the FDA are just as healthy as fresh, and may even hold their nutritional value longer. Wild Blueberries freeze exceptionally well and are available year-round.

Source: SELF, November 2003. p.138-141
*Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 49:4761-4767,2001