Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health have determined that two or more servings per week of blueberries significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The researchers followed 180,000 women and 41,000 men for 20 years, evaluating dietary flavonoid intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  The anthocyanins of blueberries were the clear winner.  Theflavonoids in apples (quercetin) and pears also showed benefit, needing five or more servings per week.

An earlier animal study showed that blueberries significantly boosted the production of adiponectin , the key hormone made in your white adipose tissue that prevents your liver from developing insulin resistance that can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.

The animal research demonstrates the mechanism.  The human research proves the point.  Blueberries are really good at helping your blood sugar metabolism and can assist in you not developing type 2 diabetes.

Concentrated blueberry anthocyanins are readily available in dietary supplements, offering a convenient way to increase intake of this health protective superfruit.

Starbucks to phase out coloring from crushed beetles

Fri, Apr 20, 2012

(Reuters) - Starbucks said on its blog that it will stop using a natural, government-approved coloring made from crushed beetles in its strawberry flavoring by late June, bowing to pressure from some vegetarian customers.

Starbucks has been using the extract in its strawberry frappuccinos and smoothies, as well as some deserts like raspberry swirl cake.

“After a thorough, yet fastidious, evaluation, I am pleased to report that we are reformulating the affected products to assure the highest quality possible,” Cliff Burrows, president of Starbucks U.S., wrote in a blog post.

Instead, the coffeehouse chain said it plans to use lycopene, a natural, tomato-based extract.

Burrows said Starbucks “fell short” of customer expectations. One blogger in March began an online petition to pressure Starbucks to stop the practice.

Ground up cochineal beetles is a commonly used Food and Drug Administration-approved food coloring.

(Reporting By Phil Wahba in New York; Editing by Michael Perry)

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