A collaborative project between the US Department of Agriculture and Rutgers University attempted to determine the nutritional difference between organic and conventional blueberries.
By Yun Xie | Last updated July 7, 2008 6:59 AM CT
Blueberries, one of my favorite fruits, have a wonderful combination of tastiness and nutritional benefits. They are low in calories and have high antioxidant content, enabling them to scavenge radicals that might otherwise damage the body. Blueberries in general have health benefits, but are organic blueberries even better than conventionally grown ones? A collaborative project between the US Department of Agriculture and Rutgers University attempted to answer that question, and the results came in the form of a recent publication in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry...
click here to read the full article:
http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2008/07/are-organic-blueberries-better-for-you.ars
Recent studies show that of all fresh fruits and blueberries provide the most health-protecting antioxidants. Blueberries are rich in Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene as well as rich in the minerals potassium, manganese, magnesium. They are very high in fiber and low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.</p><p>Sunset Valley Organics Blueberries are even more nutritious than most. Independent testing shows that our berries have double the Vitamin A and C, and more Calcium and minerals than other organic berries and wild blueberries. <p>The properties of blueberries cross the blood brain barrier to effect these benefits. Antioxidants help to stop the production of free radicals. Free radicals are groups of atoms that impair the cells and the immune system which leads to disease. Anti-oxidants bind the the free electrons in free radicals.</p><p><b>Anthocyanins</b> create the blue color in blueberries. They are water-soluble and will bleed into water (or on mouths and clothes). Anthocyanins are antioxidants, known to reduce heart disease and cancer in humans. They are found throughout the plant world, but blueberries are the highest of any fruit or vegetable. This substance is believed to combat E. Coli. </p> <p><b>Chlorogenic acid</b> is another antioxidant which may also slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal. Chlorogenic acid's antioxidant properties may help fight damaging free radicals.</p> <p><b>Ellagic acid</b> also appears to bind cancer-causing body chemicals,rendering them inactive.</p> <p><b>Catechins</b> are the phytochemical compounds that helped make a nutritional star out of green tea which is so rich in them. Current belief holds that their antioxidant effect diminishes the formation of plaque in the arteries. Further research is being done to see if they combat and/or suppress cancerous tumors and cell proliferation, but to date no evidence is solid. is a substance that is produced by several plants. A number of beneficial health effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-viral, neuroprotective, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and life-prolonging effects have been reported for this substance. It is found in the skin of red grapes. <p><b>Pterostilbene</b> is yet another antioxidant found in blueberries. Current belief holds that it may fight cancer and may also help lower cholesterol.</p>
We're still reeling from last weeks record heat, but remarkably enough, our blueberries didn't suffer much. We think that's because our organic, biological farming techniques help protect the plants and keep them healthy and more robust for all kinds of threats and conditions. During the 105 degree weather, we only lost about 5% of our blueberries, mostly the top ones on the plant, which took the full brunt of the sun. All in all, we think our loss was less than a fourth of conventionally grown blueberries. Why are our plants stronger? Because of their root system. The way we dress our rows with compost, and the way we treat the leaves with compost tea, encourages our plants to put out wide and deep roots. These roots can then absorb more of any available moisture. We also think the measurably higher level of calcium in our plants, which also shows up in our berries, strengthens the cell walls and skins, offering more protection from dehydration. As a result, in a heat wave, we lose fewer berries, the ones that we pick are plump, round and juicy. And in normal conditions, we've got amazing healthy, nutritious berries with extra vitamins, calcium and other minerals. The proof is in the berries.
