A
diet rich in fruit and vegetables makes for a healthy lifestyle,
so we chose two fruits with powerful antioxidant properties
for our Wellness Branberry Muffins:
blueberries and cranberries. Scientific evidence supports
the antioxidant
properties
of blueberries and cranberries. A very clear link is being
made between a diet high in fruit and vegetables and a
low risk of chronic disease. Wheat bran and Inulin round
off the healthy ingredients of these muffins.
Berry Goodness
Our bodies wage a daily battle against free radicals - unstable
oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and
the effects of aging. Antioxidants have been shown to be
important fighters against free radicals.
A recent US Department of Agriculture study at Tufts University
in Boston Massachusetts, measured the antioxidant activity
of more than 40 commercially available fruits and vegetables;
blueberries ranked number one. Anthocyanin – the pigment
that makes the blueberries blue is thought to be responsible
for this major health benefit. (Prior, R.L. et al J. Agric.Food
Chem.1998,46:2686-2693)
Cranberries also hold antioxidant properties owing to an
ingredient called ‘phenols’:
“
Cranberries contained the most antioxidant phenols compared
to 19 commonly eaten fruits. Cranberries are loaded with
antioxidants and should be eaten more often”. (Joe
Vinson, Ph.D., Research Chemist at the University of Scranton.)
Cranberries have also been shown to have bacteria blocking
compounds, helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.
The Experts on Wheat Bran
Wheat bran comes from the thin outer layer of the wheat
kernel. It is a very good source of dietary fibre.
“Human intervention and animal studies have shown
that supplementing the diet with wheat bran can protect against
the development of a range of cancers, especially those of
the colon and breast”. (Ferguson LR, Harris PJ. Protection
against cancer by wheat bran: role of dietary fibre and phytochemicals.
Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland)
Recognizing
the value of dietary fibre, Wheat Bran is an important
nutrient in our Wellness Branberry Muffins, a very
high source of fibre and a good source of iron.
Ingredients in Wellness Branberry Muffins
For your health
and eating delight, Branberry Muffins contain:
