Blueberry Leaf Extract

Blueberry (Vaccinium sp) is a shrub plant in the same plant family as cranberries, gooseberries and bilberries. Some varieties are evergreen, while others are deciduous and loose their leaves during the winter months. They sport beautiful delicate bell shaped perennial flowers in early spring, which are often white, pale pink or red. After the flowers bloom, the plant produces a dark blue fruit which is a common food source. The plants can vary greatly in terms of how high they will grow. Lowbush blueberries stay close to the ground and are about 4 inches high. Lowbush blueberries are also often referred to as “wild” blueberries. Highbush blueberries grow up to 13 feet, and are the variety most often sold as commercially available blueberries. Blueberries are Native to North America, and were introduced into Europe during the 1930’s. The blueberry fruits are ready for harvest somewhere between May and August, depending on local growing conditions. The Blueberry Leaf Extract fruit is a well known and loved edible berry used in all kinds of food preparations such as the famous blueberry pie. Blueberries are recognized as a fruit that contains many helpful antioxidants. However, in addition to the berry, the leaves of this plant contain chlorogenic acid, which is a unique compound that offers a high ORAC value. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, which describes the ability of a substance to quench free radicals which can protect healthy cell membranes. Research has been investigating Blueberry Leaf Extract in the medical literature since 1927, which have measured the substantial levels of compounds found in Blueberry Leaf Extract including polyphenols and anthocyanins. If you have a blueberry bush growing in your yard or wild in the woods, you can collect the leaves and allow them to dry to use in tea. Blueberry is commonly promoted for potential benefits when used for aging, memory and thinking skills (cognitive function). Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. Keep out of reach of children. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.