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  • Regular blueberries bought at the supermarket are already known to have health benefits, but wild blueberries might be a better choice. These types of blueberries could prevent diabetes and arthritis, improve blood pressure and boost memory.

    Arthritis and diabetes

    A study presented at the Dieticians of Canada conference in 2009 tested men who drank a cup of wild blueberry juice a day. The juice from the blueberries improved inflammation and insulin sensitivity, which can be contribute to arthritis and diabetes.

    Blood pressure

    Research from Marva Sweeney-Nixon, PhD, associate professor of biology at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada, found feeding wild blueberries to rodents helped lower blood pressure in the animals. Additional research, however, is needed on humans.

    Memory

    In a very small study (partially funded by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America), research found drinking blueberry juice can improve memory. The type of berry used in the study were wild blueberries grown in cold weather and the soils of Canada and Maine.

    Cancer

    Wild blueberries possibly reduce the risk of cancer. The berries contain anthocyanins, which inhibit the formation of cancer cells.

    What type to eat

    Blueberries come in two types: The lowbush variety that grows in fields or in the wild, and a highbush variety grown in greenhouses. "Wild are smaller, taste better, and have more antioxidants than domesticated," said Sweeney-Nixon in the Rodale article, "How to maximize the health benefits of wild blueberries."

    Source:

    Time: "Can blueberry juice boost your memory?"

    Rodale: "Why Wild Blueberries Pack a Powerful, Healthy Punch"

    Medill Reports Chicago: "Blueberries: an antidote for memory loss"

    More Information:

    Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry: Blueberry Supplementation Improves Memory in Older Adults

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