FOLSOM, CA - Members of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s (USHBC) health research committee gathered with a group of scientists from universities and institutions around the world for the second year in row, all uniting for one cause—blueberries. 

With the topic of scientific research on the potential health benefits of blueberries on everyone’s minds, researchers and council members alike explored the effects of blueberries on human gut microbiome, and the types of studies that the USHBC Health Research Committee should fund in order to successfully explore this topic. The April 19-21 event in Silverton, OR, culminated in a farm tour of Riverbend Organic Farm in Jefferson, OR. 

“The blueberry industry has dedicated significant resources to health research in recent years,” explained Mark Villata, Executive Director of USHBC in a statement. “The investment has helped position blueberries as a fruit with many potential health benefits – all based on sound scientific research. And with much larger human studies underway, we stand to learn a great deal more.”

Over the past 15 years, the USHBC has focused on building a robust health research program, meticulously uncovering evidence to bolster evidence for blueberries’ potential health benefits. In recent years, the program strategically focused on areas of cardiovascular health, cancer, insulin response, and brain health, but now, human gut microbiome is top-of-mind. Most recently, preliminary research findings from a multiyear human study were presented at the meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The study explored the effects of blueberries on memory and cognitive function in older adults.

As what the council refers to as the ‘health halo’ around blueberries continues to grow, also does consumer purchases. According to the council, recent survey data revealed the following findings about blueberries:

• Americans are nearly twice as likely as they were nine years ago to buy blueberries in the coming year
• Data now shows that consumers associate blueberries with health
• Awareness of the fruit’s nutritional benefits is closely tied to likelihood that a purchase will be made
• 99 percent of consumers believe blueberries to be a healthy food
• 84 percent state awareness of specific health benefits, a 115 percent increase over 2004

To access published blueberry health research and resources for health professionals, please visit: http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/healthresearch, and to learn all about the latest scientific findings regarding the produce industry, AndNowKnow has got you covered.

U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council