Blueberry 4:1

History and Uses:
The Blueberry is a favorite fruit in many parts of the United States, to which it is indigenous. They are ball-shaped, about the size of big pearls or beads, and bright blue in color. They grow on a bush, which has bright bluish-green leaves. The huckleberry is a berry that also grows in parts of the United States, and it resembles a Blueberry, but it is smaller and more of a deep purple in color. Farmers in New York, New Jersey and New England grow Blueberries for market, and the bushes are also found growing wild in many places. Early settlers in America used Blueberry widely, both as a food product and as a medicine. Modern research shows that the settlers of old were wise to incorporate Blueberry into their diets and their medicine cabinets. Blueberry has been shown to be among the most powerful antioxidants in all of nature. This is in part due to the flavonoid, anthocyanin, which gives the Blueberry its blue color and the ability to improve the strength of the capillaries in the eyes and benefit cardiovascular health. Anthocyanin has been extensively studied for its known ability to improve eyesight and reduce eyestrain, and Blueberry also shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's and in the reduction of age-related loss of mental acuity. Studies have also shown that Blueberry may reduce bad cholesterol levels, thus leading to a healthier cardiovascular system and a possible reduction in the likelihood of stroke. Blueberry also seems to reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections. As a nutritional supplement, Blueberry is a good source of potassium, calcium, vitamins A, C and E, folic acid and fiber.