BLUEBERRY LEAFIn dieting, I have been searching for core elements essential to living a healthy life. Within my journals here on Fatsecret I plan to share the information I find-good or bad as usually I have seen here that people are trying to change their lives for the better. I would like to start with Blueberry leaf. In using the leaf instead of the fruit, I decrease carbs plus, I really dislike the taste of blueberry in its natural state secondary to ripe availability. Most store bought blueberries are sour to me. So, I sought the benefits of blueberry in a powder to mix in my Nutribullet but was pleasantly surprised to learn about Blueberry Leaf.
Why take Blueberry Leaf?
Because they're jam packed with ANTIOXIDANTS!
In 2001, the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry published results of a study titled "Oxygen radical absorbency capacity (ORAC*) and phenolic anthocyanin concentrations in fruit and LEAF TISSUES of high bush blueberry." And here's what they found...
Blueberry FRUIT contains: 15.9 ORAC Antioxidant Levels
Blueberry LEAF contains: 490.0 ORAC Antioxidant Levels
This study showed that Blueberry Leaf is packed with 30.6 times more
anthocyanins and antioxidants than blueberries!
As early as 1927 studies were being published on the health benefits of Blueberry Leaf for controling blood sugar, but the benefit of antioxidants wasn't commonly known or hadn't really made it to being a household word until the scientists Ehlenfeldt and Prior published their findings in 2001 on the ORAC, phenolic and anthocyanin concentrations in fruit and leaf tissues of the highbush blueberry. Kind'a heavy readin' for a simple country girl, but what they basically found was that the leaf was 31 times higher in anthocyanin antioxidants than the fruit.
Published studies on the benefits of Blueberry Leaf go back as far back as 1927. And now that the
ORAC Scale has been developed, and the tests have shown how beneficial the leaf actually is, I anticipate a lot more good news comin' out of the field!
Here is a current list of conditions that clinical trials have shown that Blueberry Leaf may be capable of benefiting:
Lowers blood sugar on an average of 26%.*
It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.*
Blueberry Leaf can stop damage to the blood vessels, which is sometimes caused by diabetes. Stopping the damage to the blood vessels leading to the retina is one such example. Properly managed blood sugar levels help diabetics ensure a healthy heart and protect against many chronic health conditions such as, neuropathy and retinopathy.*
Cancer. Blueberries Leaves are incredibly high in the phenolic compounds found in the antioxidant anthocyanins which gives them a significantly greater ability to counteract damaging free radicals. The antioxidants work to keep cancers and other diseases at bay. The Journal of Medicinal Foods reports it is used to repair damage already done by free radicals. Blueberry has been studied and has shown to be helpful in treating cancers and slow the growth of cervical cancer, cancer of the prostate, breast cancer and colon cancer. Blueberry's antioxidant compound blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer.*
Lowers plasma triglycerides on an average of 39% that lead to high cholesterol and heart disease.*
Help relieve internal inflammation, which is linked to cardiovascular disease.*
Relieve inflammation and reduce irritation caused by eczema. The reason Blueberry Leaf is an excellent natural remedy for eczema is because the leaves contain chlorogenic acids that stop germs from spreading. When the skin is damaged by eczema it makes it easier to get an infection. By blocking external irritants and diseases, this gives the skin a chance to repair itself. Eventually, you will see a reduction of inflammation and redness, and the itching will subside.*
Improves Memory. The antioxidant properties in Blueberry Leaf are believed to combat age-related loss of brain function. They show promise in the treatment of short-term memory loss and loss of balance. Blueberry leaf has the ability to enhance dopamine levels, which enables smooth, controlled movements as well as, efficient memory, attention and problem solving functions. It's thought to be beneficial for treating Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and age-related mental decline. Research suggests Blueberry Leaf may protect the brain against mental illnesses, as well as damage caused by stroke.*
Lowers Blood Pressure. Blueberry Leaf neutralizes free radicals that are associated with increased risk of high blood pressure.*
Reduces Inflammation related to cardiovascular disease.*
Hepatitis C. Blueberry Leaf may help fight hepatitis C, according to a new study. Researchers found that extremely high levels of the antioxidant proanthocyanidins are found to block the replication of the hepatitis C virus. A highly infectious disease, hepatitis attacks the liver and can lead to liver cancer, liver failure or cirrhosis (a potentially fatal scarring of the liver).*
Eyesight. The flavonoid in Blueberry Leaf is also used to strengthen the capillaries in the eyes and is said to decrease eyestrain and improve eyesight. Cataracts and glaucoma, ulcers, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and diarrhea.*
UTI's. Blueberry is also said to support good urinary tract health and appears to reduce the occurrence of bladder and kidney infections. The proanthocyanidins prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. Blueberry Leaf is indicated in conditions where there is weakness or loss of tone of the uterus. It eases cramps of suppressed periods and the pain associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroid and may be used in false labor pain or threatened miscarriage. During labor itself, Blueberry Leaf eases delivery. It has a tonic effect on the uterus and Fallopian tubes and increases uterine muscle tone.
http://wildaboutberries.com/why-take-blueberry-leaf_302.html