Blueberries

Flagler Organics has made a great connection with a local organic blueberry producer for Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach members.  We are so excited about our first harvest on Tuesday.  We will have hundreds on pounds of fresh organic blueberries, so bring a friend, tell and neighbor and share with everyone this great opportunity to buy fresh organic blueberries below farmer market prices and well below retail.

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. Blueberries provide the most health-protecting antioxidants, those valuable elements which prevent cancer-causing cell damage and may limit the changes wrought by age related diseases.

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.

• Anthocyanins 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.

• Chlorogenic acid 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.

• Ellagic acid also appears to bind cancer-causing body chemicals,rendering them inactive.

• Catechins 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.

• Resveratrol 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. Since wine is made from red grapes, the supply of resveratrol inherent in a glass of red wine, may explain the phenomenon known as the “French paradox.” This refers to the fact that the French ingest a lot of saturated fats, but have a low incidence of coronary disease, possibly due to their intake of red wine. This ‘paradox’ is more discussed than proven. Resveratrol is also found in peanuts, and other berries of Vaccinium species including bilberries and cranberries.

• Pterostilbene is yet another antioxidant found in blueberries. Current belief holds that it may fight cancer and may also help lower cholesterol.

• Oxalates are the one possible negative aspect of blueberries. Oxalates should not be eaten in high concentration as they can crystallize and cause kidney or gallbladder problems. Oxalates also slow the absorption of calcium into the system. Eat blueberries separately from calcium-rich foods. A two to three hour wait is sufficient.

The nutritional value of blueberries makes them one of the best foods we can eat. And if you live near a blueberry patch and have any ordinary bucket, gathering this humble berry is one of life’s joys. Anyone who has gone blueberry picking as a child will carry the memory for life.

Most current studies have been limited to animals, but the findings would appear to be significant. Animals fed a diet of blueberry extract showed fewer changes in age related brain function which may mean better cognitive and motor skills. Yes, this means that blueberries may help the brain ward off dementia. There are current studies world-wide (see note) to determine further effects on health and many believe that blueberries help the eyes, prevent urinary tract infections, lower cholesterol, protect against macular degeneration, and aid the cardiovascular system. These are significant health benefits and rank blueberries as one of the top foods to eat. Many of these studies have not arrived at a conclusion, and no single food is a cure-all, but looking at the list of phytochemicals in the blueberry, we are eager to eat them for health as well as pleasure.

Flagler Organic has fresh organic blueberries our farmers market them straight to you. Fresh organic blueberries for Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach every Tuesday at Flagler Organics Harvest Day. Located in Bunnell serving Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Ormond Beach. Open every Tuesday, members may bring guest.