Blueberries May Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Recent studies at the Rutgers Blueberry Cranberry Research Center in Chatsworth, N.J., have shown that blueberries have compounds similar to those of cranberries and can also be used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Epicatechin is a bioflavonoid (antioxidant) found both in cranberries and blueberries.
Epicatechin works to prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the bladder tissue. This causes the bacteria to be eliminated thru your urine rather than attaching to the bladder wall, where they start multiplying and ultimately causing infection. In addition, fructose - the sugar found naturally in fruits, and cane sugar or honey that is often added to fruit juices, may also be beneficial by interfering with bacterial adhesion.
