Fall foliage, antioxidants and human health

Why should we protect trees and forests? In my last post, I mentioned a recently passed Vermont law, H.697, which encouraged the enrollment of old forests into Vermont’s Current Use program. But why should we advocate for policies and laws that encourage conservation and environmental stewardship? Well, the red pigment in this maple tree is one example of why. There is so much that we still don’t know about how trees are important to human health, but read on for some fascinating correlations between sugar maple trees and humans.

The east-facing side of this maple tree on my property always turns red first. Did you know that the red pigment comes from the same anti-oxidant, anthocyanin, found in tart cherries, blueberries, beets, apples, red grapes and blood oranges? When the veins of the tree gradually close off in autumn, the glucose in the leaves is trapped and this excess glucose increases the level of anthocyanin. Why would a tree use energy to do this when the leaves are about to drop? Well, some scientists think the fallen leaves with their extra boost of anthocyanin protect the tree from competing plants taking root. Fascinating,

because in humans, anthocyanins may protect us by lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and slowing cancer growth. And according to Penn State Extension, “Trees are without a doubt the best carbon capture technology in the world,” (https://extension.psu.edu/how-forests-store-carbon), so we want our trees and forests to thrive. So eat your blueberries and beets, stay healthy and go out and protect our trees and forests!