In Eat your fruit; it's good for you, Robin Smith describes the work of "world-renowned berry expert" Mary Ann Lila, who "studies the health benefits of blueberries and other berries as the head of N.C. State's Plants for Human Health Institute in Kannapolis [NC], where what was once a textile mill is now a state-of-the-art research facility."
Although some say "superfruit" claims are overhyped, Lila says modern science backs them up, especially for berries. Studies suggest berries may help prevent disease, slow aging, enhance endurance and fight infection. With funding from the National Institutes of Health, Lila is trying to identify the specific compounds behind their medicinal powers and understand how they work.
Lila and her team ask shamans in Alaska where to find the berries that are part of their traditional diets and then test these berries, looking for health benefits. She's finding that berries may ward off diabetes, help keep brains healthy, and more:
Working with the complex chemical cocktail in blueberries and other berries, Lila is particularly interested in their ability to counteract a condition known as metabolic syndrome - the expanding waistline, insulin resistance and high blood pressure that are precursors to heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
The Plants for Human Health Institute helps fill the economic chasm left in this western North Carolina town after the big textile mills closed. I'm particularly pleased that the Institute works on the economic, health, and taste aspects of fruits and veggies. For example, they are working with the culinary program at Johnson & Wales University to develop a delicious, long-season strawberry.
The Institute is the dream of David H. Murdock, owner of Dole Foods Company, who helps fund and promote this satellite campus of NC State University. I'm happy ... berry happy ... to see the some of the profits from my banana purchases go to such a good cause.