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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #217110

Title: Blueberries and Human Health: A Review of Current Research

Author
item KALT, WILHELMINA - AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD
item Joseph, James
item Shukitt-Hale, Barbara

Submitted to: Journal of the American Pomological Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2007
Publication Date: 12/15/2007
Citation: Kalt, W., Joseph, J.A., Shukitt Hale, B. 2007. Blueberries and Human Health: A Review of Current Research. Journal of American Pomological Society. 61:151-160.

Interpretive Summary: Renewed interest in the health benefits of blueberries has led to research in several areas including neuroscience, cardiovascular health, cancer chemoprevention and aging. This article reviews these new directions in blueberry research, with emphasis on studies in living organisms, and will be of interest to those involved in horticulture, food science, and biomedical sciences. The antioxidant activity and polyphenolic components of blueberries are also summarized.

Technical Abstract: Renewed interest in the health functionality of blueberry (i.e., Vaccinium species with blue surface color) has led to research in several areas including neuroscience, cardiovascular health, cancer chemoprevention and aging. This article reviews these new directions in blueberry research, with emphasis on in vivo studies, and will be of interest to those involved in horticulture, food science, and biomedical sciences. The antioxidant activity and polyphenolic constituents of blueberry, and polyphenolic bioavailability and response to processing, are also summarized.