17 replies to this topic

[nameless]

Hello,

Although I try to eat blueberries several days a week, I am considering supplementing with a blueberry extract. I considered the LEF blueberry extract, but noticed it was rather low in anthocyanins per pill. I believe (although I may be wrong) that a standard serving of blueberries has around 100 mg anthocyanins or so. While each LEF supplement has about 12.5 mg anthocyanins only.

I found a higher concentration pill from Brownwoodacres, at about 40 mg anthocyanins per pill, and it's not insanely priced

I also found their Fruitfast supplement bars (http://www.brownwood...ruitfastbar.htm), at a nice 300 mg anthocyanin per bar (although some of that may be from apples). I'm curious if anyone out there has tried these and if they taste any good? Is Fruitfast/Brownwoodacres a reputable company? Their nutritional data on the up and up?

If so, it seems like the supplement bars would be the cheapest (and probably tastiest) way to supplement with extra blueberries. 1-2 bars/week (0r 2 of their pills) would be equivalent or better than supplementing with the LEF product every day.

I'm skeptical of companies I never heard of before so am hoping someone out there can vouch they are decent.

Thanks.

[chrisp2]

Not info you asked for... Just giving you some ideas...

I have two Pomegranate with Blueberry Extract's daily (LEF product), one in the morning - one in the evening.

And I generally have wild blueberries (frozen) daily.

And you know what? I hate them.

Fresh blueberries are great. But you have yearly limitations - and also I find that they are so easily damaged - you can buy a pint and so many are squished... And some that are squished early on, can develop mold.

I don't eat perfectly... I don't get nearly as much vegetables as I should... But I get plenty of anthocyanin's.

[nameless]

That's true regarding real blueberries. I like them, but not every day. Which is why I am considering some sort of supplement. Or even those supplement bars I mentioned. I wouldn't have one every day, but maybe once or twice a week would be good. I just don't want to order some and find out they taste horrible, or the nutrition data isn't accurate.

The problem I have with the LEF blueberry supplement is that they probably aren't close to a normal serving of blueberries. I read a forum post here a while ago, where someone stated they were the equivalent of a couple of berries. Although that may be better than nothing, it doesn't seem worthwhile to me from a price standpoint.

[DukeNukem]

The problem with the FruitFast bars is they lack protein -- so you're getting all of those calories sans protein to help mitigate the sugar/carb surge. Plus, it's just smart to get protein each snack/meal anyway. I've complained several times to this company, but they're clueless, as so many so-called health companies are. All they'd need to do is add 9-10 grams of whey protein or egg protein and problem solved.

Stay away from these bars--you're far far better off taking supplements, avoiding these net-negative age-acceleration snacks.

[ajnast4r]

knocking back a handful of almonds w/ those fruitfast bars would stop that problem.

[nameless]

If I just ate some protein with the bars, or almonds, as the previous poster suggested, wouldn't it be the same as if the bars contained protein in them? And are they that high in sugar? I think they have about 6 grams (from the fruit, I assume, no additonal sugar added). So long as the bars have some fiber (which they very well may not), it's not really so bad, is it? I mean... is it any different than just eating real blueberries?

Are the bars themselves decent nutrition-wise, besides this lack of protein? And if I went the supplement route only, which brand of blueberry supplement do you recommend? The pill supplement from the fruitfast people decent?

Thanks.

[tintinet]

I eat frozen or fresh blueberries daily, almost always, cultivated, wild, etc.. As many varieties as possible, over time, along with kiwi, goji berries, oranges with peel (organic), apples, etc. I also take BAC's "Fruit Antioxidant" powder and NOW Pomeratrol daily, among other herbal and fruit supplements.

[health_nutty]

I just buy frozen blueberries.

[ajnast4r]

a few grams of sugar is not going to kill anyone... theres no need to be SO anal and fearful about things like fruit sugars... especially in a bar like that.

the 3g of fiber in each bar is more than enough to offset the insulin spikes of 6g of fructose, and the benefits of 300mg anthocyanins FAR FAR FAR FAR outweigh whatever meanial detriment the sugars might bring

[tedsez]

I switched from fresh (in season) and frozen blueberries to supplements because I thought they were cheaper.

But at about about 12 cents per capsule from IHerb.com (Natural Factors Blue Rich Super Strength Blueberry Concentrate, which contain 12.5 mg. anthocyanins), it sounds as if they're actually more expensive than the real thing.

[lucid]

A cool article on Anthocyanin kills human cancer cells while not affecting healthy cells.
Apparently this stuff whips cancers ass.

Apple's as said, apples have a fair amount of anthocyanin, as well as lots of anti oxidants.
Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits
This article gives a nice overview of studies done showing how apples lower risk of various diseases including: Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer as well as improvement of blood lipids, glucose levels, insulin production, and even weight loss. Certainly good to give a look over. (skins are a lot more effective than the rest of the apple too) I think red apples have the best nutrition value, but even different varieties of red are supposed to have significantly different levels of anti-oxidants etc..

[narcissistic]

I think blueberries are wary important in order to maintain health vision. lately I have bin considering what’s best: frozen or dyed blueberries?

[luv2increase]

The problem with the FruitFast bars is they lack protein -- so you're getting all of those calories sans protein to help mitigate the sugar/carb surge.  Plus, it's just smart to get protein each snack/meal anyway.  I've complained several times to this company, but they're clueless, as so many so-called health companies are.  All they'd need to do is add 9-10 grams of whey protein or egg protein and problem solved.

Stay away from these bars--you're far far better off taking supplements, avoiding these net-negative age-acceleration snacks.

6g of sugars. haha.

[luv2increase]

a few grams of sugar is not going to kill anyone... theres no need to be SO anal and fearful about things like fruit sugars... especially in a bar like that.

Agree. If someone lives like that-->overly anal, they will have a very hard time continuing with a healthy lifestyle in general in the long run.

[shifter]

Just had the equivilant of 1lb of blueberries this morning for breakfast in the form of a pulp. Damn shame about the 24grams of fruit sugar eh?

Tasted pretty good though

[kenj]

a few grams of sugar is not going to kill anyone... theres no need to be SO anal and fearful about things like fruit sugars... especially in a bar like that.

Agree. If someone lives like that-->overly anal, they will have a very hard time continuing with a healthy lifestyle in general in the long run.

IMO, the clue is to be smart and selective, -- if we wanna satisfy the sweet tooth w/a little treat, there's so many delicious options now to offer good taste, while protecting the body from unnecessary or accelerated aging, getting the best from both worlds, every time.

EDIT: I guess it's a matter of how you would define unnecessary aging.
Generally, the older you get, the more you wish to preserve the bodily functions you have in current life......

[joann234]

What is interesting about this thread is it is focused on anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are found in every fruit and vegetable with color, so I don't understand why all of the fuss about anthocyanins and blueberries. They don't even rate high on the total anthocyanin chart when compared to other fruits. If you are only looking for anthocyanins, here is list of fruits that have high amounts of anthocyanins (per gram). They are more than blueberry:

Chokeberry: 200-1000mg

Vaccinium: 80-420mg

Red Currant: 80-420mg

Red Grape: 30-750mg

Beside, if I only wanted anthocyanins I would want a chokeberry product. Here is link to a study on chokeberry juice. (http://www.bodybuild.../fun/mohr75.htm)

Also, if this company is pushing blueberry anthocyains, why don't they offer a chokeberry bar or a red grape bar. These have more
anthocyanins then blueberries. I wonder. [sfty]

IMO I have tried those bars. I bought a whole package for me and my family. When I opened my first bar it was a little slimy. It is packed in a metal type of bag. After my purchase, I am skeptical.

[nameless]

I put an emphasis on the anthocyanin amount simply as a way of to determine how the fruitfast pills/bars equate to a serving of real blueberries (or estimating, anyway).

Thanks for the feedback regarding the bars themselves. I wrote to the company about ordering a sampler pack for about $4.50, until I saw they wanted to charge around $6 shipping for 3 bars. And I think I'll pass on ordering an entire box of the things, without ever tasting one, especially if they are slimy. Although that could have been because of heat, and perhaps if refrigerated they'd regain their consistency. Or maybe they are always slimy....