Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins

Abstract

Awareness of the human health benefits of blueberries is underpinned by a growing body of positive scientific evidence from human observational and clinical research, plus mechanistic research using animal and in vitro models. Blueberries contain a large number of phytochemicals, including abundant anthocyanin pigments. Of their various phytochemicals, anthocyanins probably make the greatest impact on blueberry health functionality. Epidemiological studies associate regular, moderate intake of blueberries and/or anthocyanins with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, death, and type 2 diabetes, and with improved weight maintenance and neuroprotection. These findings are supported by biomarker-based evidence from human clinical studies. Among the more important healthful aspects of blueberries are their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and their beneficial effects on vascular and glucoregulatory function. Blueberry phytochemicals may affect gastrointestinal microflora and contribute to host health. These aspects have implications in degenerative diseases and conditions as well as the aging process. More evidence, and particularly human clinical evidence, is needed to better understand the potential for anthocyanin-rich blueberries to benefit public health. However, it is widely agreed that the regular consumption of tasty, ripe blueberries can be unconditionally recommended.

Phenolic and Anthocyanin Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.)

“…Compared to the peels of other fruits with similar colour (red), the concentration of total anthocyanins was evidently higher in tamarillo. For example, the peels of red grape, red plum and red apple had the total anthocyanin concentrations of 27, 20 and 12 mg/100 g FW, respectively (approximately equal to 138.75, 156.62 and 83.1 mg/100 g DW, respectively) [20]. Total anthocyanin content in pulp of Mulligan, Laird's Large and Amber was much higher than its counterpart (peel), with 486.84, 481.37, and 29.70 mg/100 g DW, respectively.…”

Genome‐wide association of volatiles reveals candidate loci for blueberry flavor

“…Blueberry ( Vaccinium spp.) is the second most important soft fruit after strawberry, and it has also been popularized as a ‘superfood’ as a result of the multiple health benefits conferred by its abundant polyphenolic content (Kalt et al , ). A previous psychophysical study indicated that consumers prefer sweet berries with intense flavor (Gilbert et al , ).…”

Effects of Nutritional Interventions in the Control of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Integrative Review

“…Studies assessing nutritional interventions using different types of fruits such as blueberry [ 8 ], strawberry [ 46 ], and passion fruit peel extract [ 48 ] promoted a significant reduction in pain in individuals with osteoarthritis. This result is possibly attributed to the content of polyphenols present in blueberry and strawberries and flavonoids present in the passion fruit peel extract, which have anti-inflammatory effects, besides promoting anabolic effects in the cartilage, possibly explaining their activity against pain [ 57 ].…”