Caution, Blueberries are Healthy!

By Dr. Peter W. Kujtan, B.Sc., M.D., Ph.D.

A patient brought in a bottle of capsules for me to evaluate. They had the appearance of grass clippings contained within a plastic coating. The money-back promise on the label suggested that the contents contain substances that may fight cancer, reduce heart disease and quell inflammation. My task seemed to be whether the $52 dollars spent at the health store was going to make a difference to this person’s health and more importantly could it be harmful? Strangely, the patient felt better already having only taken one pill. Personal empowerment is an amazing thing. Especially when you take the time to go through your junk mail and make that decision that something radical must be done about that aging and abused body. Years of stuffing it with unwanted substances must be met with daunting determination to make things right. You drive, not walk, down to the that cornucopia of magical pills called a health-food store and have the carefully trained clerk recommend the perfect plastic bottle full of cures especially for you, and then part with your money. Your pride beams during the drive home, since you now are finally on the way to health salvation. I often wonder why health food stores lack an abundance of fresh foods? And why do they resemble one-stop no prescription needed pharmacies?

On closer examination, the label suggested that the 6 ounces of product was full of “beneficial” flavonoids. Blueberries, cherries or apples would probably be my choice and at a $130 per pound equivalent I could remain flavonoid enriched for months. Flavonoids is a term that refers to thousands of substances found in our foods that can act as anti-oxidants. All this means is that they have some ability to help us process the other junk we eat so that it minimizes its damaging effects on various body structures and systems caused by unstable oxygen molecules. Oxidants are notorious for leading to inflammation, so flavonoids can act as anti-inflammatories. Darker skin and brightly colored fruits are excellent sources. Pomegranate, blueberries, cinnamon, green tea and apples are excellent sources. Higher concentrations are found in the skin of the fruit. Humans do not require tremendous amounts of flavonoids to derive benefits. By eating at least 5 fruit products a day is an excellent start. Where I feel attention should be drawn is reducing the load of undesirable foods that require detoxifying in the first place. I see little need for quick fixes via supplements particularly when we have the largest array of fresh food availability on the planet. Flavonoids probably work best when ingested in the natural state as opposed to a processed powder. I was proud of my patient for trying to take health prevention steps, but the experience made me realize how difficult it is for the average person to implement the exploding scientific knowledge in a practical way. I suggested that the next $52 dollars be spent on pomegranate juice and a few sessions with a qualified dietitian. Obtaining good practical dietary advice is another sore point in our health care system. The numbers of hospital based dietitians were slashed in the 1990’s and are still viewed as luxury items by hospitals and health boards.

Lastly, my hockey buds will be pleased to learn that beer hops is another good source of flavonoids!