On Blueberry Hill

If you are old enough to remember Chubby Checkers (more or less) singing, "I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill" you probably don't need this advice. But for those of you to whom a blueberry is just another one of those "things good for you," look again. Blueberries are one of the most intensely studied fruits, and the yield from such research is that these little dynamos are among the riches sources of antioxidants around. And increasing your daily supply of antioxidant rich foods is one of the best ways to boost your immune system.

But there is even more thrilling news. A report a while back in the highly regarded Journal of Neuroscience reported that elderly rats fed the human equivalent of at least half a cup of blueberries a day improved in short-term memory, balance and coordination-all the things associated with youth. Now, many fruits and vegetables protect against "oxidation stress" that can cause aging, but face it, blueberries do taste better than broccoli, Brussels sprouts and even alfalfa. And only blueberries have a proven impact on memory, coordination and balance. So eat your blueberries and maybe you'll remember the rest of that Chubby Checkers song.

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