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Health Benefits of Blueberries - Nutrition and more Nutrition

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>

The Power of Powder!

The Power of Powder!
One of our many products includes Blueberry Powder, that is we send our berries to Oregon Freeze Dried, the freeze dry them, crush them, and send us the resulting powder.

Our powder is purely blueberries, no added sugar, no preservatives, and no additives of any sort. Thus making is very concentrated and a little will go a long way.

A commonly asked question is "How can I use this blueberry powder?" Well you can use it just as a spice in baking, add it to your everyday baking, in all of your favorite recipes for a new twist on them. You can put it in yogurt, add it to jello, on top of ice cream, and whatever else you can think of, just have fun with it!

With our powder you get all the anti-oxydants and minerals that are in our berries from this powder, just becasue they have been freeze dried dosent mean that they have lost their nutritinal value.

Frozen Fruit Cupcakes

Ingredients
• 1 small lemon
• 2 cups buttermilk
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅛ t salt
• 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (halved strawberries, chopped peaches, chopped nectarines, blueberries, or raspberries)
• garnish: lemon leaves, halved strawberries. blueberries, raspberries, and nectarine wedges
Directions:
About 3 ½ hours before serving or early in day:
1. Line twelve 2 1/2" by 1 1/4" muffin pan cups with fluted paper baking cups.
2. Into large bowl, grate peel from lemon. Add buttermilk, sugar, and salt; mix until blended. Gently stir in 1 1/4 cups fruit. Spoon mixture into muffin pan cups. Top with remaining 3/4 cup fruit (some fruit will stay above mixture for pretty color). Cover and freeze until firm, about 3 hours.
3. To serve, peel off paper baking liners from dessert. Let stand at room temperature 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier eating. Garnish each serving with lemon leaves, strawberry halves, blueberries, raspberries, and nectarine wedges.
Makes 12 servings. About 70 calories per serving.