Chennai, Aug 24:
The US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) successfully organizes its Nutrition Seminar 2026 which was attended by more than 100 participants, including nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare professionals, food processors, R&D professionals, influencers, bloggers, reflecting growing interest in science-based nutrition information and practical applications of blueberries in India.
The programme brought together global research, clinical nutrition perspectives, culinary applications and an expert panel discussion focused on translating scientific findings into responsible and practical dietary guidance.
A key highlight of the programme was the special address by Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, Director General of Training & Director, Anna Institute of Management, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Dr. Radhakrishnan highlighted the importance of credible nutrition education and the responsibility of professionals and institutions to communicate scientific information in a way that is accurate, practical and understandable to consumers. His remarks added an important public-health perspective to the seminar and reinforced the need for evidence-based communication around food, nutrition and healthy dietary practices.
Raj Kapoor, India Representative, USHBC highlighted the efforts to engage nutrition professionals, healthcare practitioners, chefs, food manufacturers and other stakeholders in India through scientific education, research communication and practical applications.
He emphasized that the objective of such programmes is to create a meaningful bridge between emerging nutrition science and everyday food choices, while ensuring that health-related information is communicated responsibly.
The scientific foundation of the seminar was provided through a specially recorded keynote presentation by Dr. Leslie Wada, PhD, RD, Senior Director, Nutrition & Health Research, USHBC, titled “The Science Behind Blueberries: Latest Research and Global Perspectives.”
Dr. Wada reviewed the evolving body of research on blueberries and their naturally occurring plant compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which contribute to their characteristic blue colour.
Her presentation covered research relating to areas such as cardiometabolic health, gut microbiota, exercise and immune response, and psychological well-being, while also emphasizing the importance of understanding the quality and type of scientific evidence.
Participants were reminded that observational research may identify associations, while randomized controlled trials help examine specific physiological outcomes. Individual foods should therefore be considered within the context of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle rather than being positioned as treatments for medical conditions.
The seminar also focused on practical culinary applications through a presentation by Dr. Krithika Radhakrishnan, Celebrity Chef & Culinary Consultant, titled “Creative USA Blueberry Recipes for Healthy Everyday Living.” She demonstrated how blueberries can be incorporated into familiar Indian and contemporary preparations across breakfast, beverages, snacks, savoury foods and desserts.
Her presentation featured applications such as Blueberry & Ragi Pancakes, Blueberry Shrikhand, Blueberry Chutney, Blueberry Raita, Blueberry Lassi, Blueberry Bhel, Blueberry Pachadi and blueberry-based paneer and tandoori preparations.
She also explained how different blueberry formats can be selected according to the application—fresh for garnishing and direct consumption, frozen for cooking and baking, dried for snacks, and puree or concentrate for beverages and sauces.
The interactive session also explored the growing availability of blueberries in India in fresh, frozen, dried and ingredient formats, as well as their potential use in hospitals, foodservice, food manufacturing and everyday home cooking.
The Chennai programme reinforced USHBC’s commitment to connecting scientific research, nutrition professionals, healthcare practitioners, the food industry and consumers, while encouraging practical, culturally relevant and evidence-based approaches to incorporating blueberries into everyday diets.