Frozen Wild Blueberries Emerge
as the New, Blue Health Superstars According
to the USDA, blueberries -- fresh, frozen or dried -- rank #1 in antioxidant
activity when compared with 40 other commercially available fruits
and vegetables.
BAR HARBOR, Maine, Nov. 8 -- Frozen fruit is going to become a household
staple once consumers taste Frozen Wild Blueberries -- Nature's #1 Antioxidant
Fruit.(TM) Available for the first time in many major supermarkets,
Frozen Wild Blueberries are emerging as the new, blue health superstars.
"Frozen Wild Blueberries are a hot discovery for consumers looking for
simple, great-tasting ways to stay healthy and boost their antioxidant
intake," said Susan Davis, MS, RD, nutrition advisor to the Wild Blueberry
Association of North America and Registered Dietitian.
According to the USDA, blueberries -- fresh, frozen or dried -- rank
#1 in antioxidant activity when compared with 40 other commercially
available fruits and vegetables. (Source: Journal of Agricultural and
Food Chemistry 44:701- 705; 3426-3431, 1996; 46:2686-2693, 1998.) That
means more protection against aging, heart disease and cancer. "There's
more good news for those worried that Frozen Wild Blueberries may not
be as good as fresh," said Davis. "According to the FDA, frozen fruits
and vegetables are as healthy as fresh -- and they may even retain their
nutritional value longer."
"All it takes is one-half cup of Wild Blueberries a day to satisfy one
of the 5-A-Day servings for fruits and vegetables -- and by choosing
Wild Blueberries, you've also given your body a concentrated source
of dietary antioxidants," said Davis. "You can include Frozen Wild Blueberries
in anything you like to eat -- whether you toss a handful on cereal
or make a smoothie, the options are limitless. Frozen Wild Blueberries
are really the ultimate in convenience. They're always on-hand and ready
to use."
The Power of Blue
According to Ms. Davis, an easy way to eat healthy is to think color
when you go to the supermarket. Research focused on the pigments, or
phytochemicals, that give fruits and vegetables their color is indicating
that more is at play than vitamins and minerals in the battle against
disease and aging. "Preliminary research on blue foods shows Wild Blueberries
pack a considerable health punch," said Davis. "With color becoming
a marker for good health, Wild Blueberries are a smart health choice."
The Perfect Frozen Fruit(TM)
"Look no further than your supermarket freezer case for Wild Blueberries
- - the Perfect Frozen Fruit(TM)," said John Sauve, Executive Director
of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA). WBANA expects
consumers to be impressed with the superior quality and taste of Frozen
Wild Blueberries. "For great taste and antioxidant power, there's no
better choice than a daily dose of Frozen Wild Blueberries. They're
perfectly healthy, perfectly easy and perfectly delicious."
According to Sauve, New England consumers should look in their Sunday
circular on December 10th for a free-standing insert and money-saving
coupon featuring Frozen Wild Blueberries. The introductory promotion
is being sponsored by WBANA and Wyman's, one of the largest processors
and retailers of Frozen Wild Blueberries. "Frozen Wild Blueberries are
great tasting, convenient, and a great value compared to other fruit
choices," said Ed Flanagan, President of Wyman's and the WBANA Board
of Directors. According to Mr. Flanagan, awareness of the blueberry
health story is the driving force behind consumer demand. "We get calls
all the time, asking 'where can I find Frozen Wild Blueberries?' With
questions like that I fully expect that Wild Blueberries are going to
become the hottest, healthiest frozen fruit to hit the supermarket in
a long time."
Perfectly Healthy
According to the USDA, one serving (one-half cup or 100 grams) of Frozen
Wild Blueberries delivers the natural antioxidants the body needs every
day. Scientists attribute these benefits to anthocyanins and other natural
compounds (phytochemicals) found in Wild Blueberries. Anthocyanins (from
two Greek words meaning "plant" and "blue") are responsible for the
intense blue color of Wild Blueberries. "That's why we encourage people
to add blue to their diet, and get their Daily Dose of Blue(TM) by choosing
Frozen Wild Blueberries," said Sauve.
Blueberries, Cranberries and UTH
While cranberries have long been associated with the promotion of urinary
tract health, scientists have discovered that blueberries may also stand
out for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections. According
to the National Kidney Foundation, urinary tract infections are the
second-leading cause of lost workdays for women and are responsible
for millions of doctor visits and more than $1 billion in associated
health care costs annually. "Women can take simple preventative steps
to avoid this painful problem," said research scientist Amy B. Howell,
Ph.D. of the Rutgers Blueberry Cranberry Research Center in Chatsworth,
New Jersey. Dr. Howell was the lead investigator on a study, funded
in part by Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., that identified the specific
compounds in blueberries and cranberries that promote urinary tract
health. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine, October 8, 1998.)
"I'm really excited that women now have dietary choices for fighting
this disease. Whether you choose to drink a 10-ounce glass of cranberry
juice or eat one-half cup of Frozen Wild Blueberries, you're taking
the right step toward preventing urinary tract infections and promoting
good health." "You don't have to compromise on taste when choosing a
disease-fighting diet," said WBANA's Sauve. "Frozen Wild Blueberries
are naturally great tasting. Whether you put them in or on something,
they're great right out of the bag."
Perfectly Easy
Frozen Wild Blueberries are convenient, easy to use and available year-round.
They're cleaned, washed and individually quick frozen within 24 hours
of harvest to seal in their goodness and best blueberry flavor. The
freezing process guarantees the consistency and superior quality of
the fruit. Simply add frozen berries to your favorite recipes, sprinkle
them on salads, cereal or ice cream, or blend them into smoothies or
yogurt. There's no coring, pitting or peeling -- it's the perfectly
easy Daily Dose of Blue(TM).
Perfectly Delicious
For more intense blueberry flavor than the cultivated variety, sweet
and tangy Frozen Wild Blueberries are the perfect choice. Known as the
"little" or "small" blueberries, Wild Blueberries have a concentrated
taste preferred by bakers and chefs around the world. "Even Martha Stewart
has given Frozen Wild Blueberries high marks," said Sauve, referencing
the 2000 summer issue of Living that featured Wild Blueberries. "We're
very proud of our product, and are pleased to see such reputable sources
such as Martha Stewart stand up and take notice."
WBANA
Wild Blueberries, which are commercially harvested only in Maine and
Eastern Canada, are smaller in size and more extraordinary in taste
than their cultivated cousins. Frozen Wild Blueberries can be found
year-round in supermarkets across the United States and Eastern Canada
for convenient at-home use.
WBANA is an international trade association of growers and processors
of Wild Blueberries from Maine and Canada, dedicated to bringing Frozen
Wild Blueberries to consumers worldwide.
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