BC Blueberries - Some Facts

Posted by Sapan Behar

June 23, 2007

While I work on the part 3 of the “Economics of blueberry farming” here is some information on blueberries and their nutritional value.

What the heck are blueberries?

In case you don’t know, here are some facts about blueberries:

They are native to North America and eastern Asia, although they can be found in countries all over the world. Blueberries are flowering plants in the genus Vaccinium, sect. Cyanococcus.

Delicious eaten out of hand, blueberries are also wonderful in baked goods, jams, pies, pancakes, salads, or, best of all, with a simple splash of sweet cream.
An Antioxidant Powerhouse
Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins, the blue-red pigments found in blueberries, improve the integrity of support structures in the veins and entire vascular system. Anthocyanins have been shown to enhance the effects of vitamin C, improve capillary integrity, and stabilize the collagen matrix (the ground substance of all body tissues). They work their protective magic by preventing free-radical damage, inhibiting enzymes from cleaving the collagen matrix, and directly cross-linking with collagen fibers to form a more stable collagen matrix.

Blueberries may be a potent weapon in the battle to reduce cholesterol. Studies and experimentation by the US Department of Agriculture have found that the antioxidant, Pterostilbene, found in blueberries, was the most potent ingredient when it came to activating a cell’s PPAR-alpha receptor which plays a role in reducing cholesterol.
Nutrition Highlights
Blueberries (raw), 50 berries (68g)
Calories: 38
Protein: 0.46g
Carbohydrate: 9.6g
Total Fat: 0.26g
Fiber: 1.83g

Stay tuned for the part 3 of Economics of blueberry farming.

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