Blueberries ripen over a period of several months and keep remarkably
well. Fresh blueberries are extensively used as food and are also canned
and frozen, and after preservation are used commercially in the bakery,
preserve, and jelly industries.
The blueberry is a North American native fruit that belongs to the Vaccinium genus from the Ericacea
family, characterized mainly by a high content of antioxidants such as
polyphenols and vitamin C. Scientists reported that fresh blueberries
contained 6.3 mg/g of vitamin C.
Vitamin C –an antioxidant that is needed to stop free radicals from
doing harm in human bodies. Free radicals form in human bodies from
activities that we do everyday like being out in the sun or breathing
air with pollution. They promote aging and disease. Blueberries have 38%
more free radical fighters or antioxidants than red wine.
Vitamin C is readily oxidized, especially in the presence of metal
ions such as copper and iron. Heat and light accelerate the process,
while additional factors such as oxygen concentration, pH and
water activity strongly influence the rate of the reaction.
Vitamin C in blueberries
Vitamins are defined as a group of complex organic compounds present in minute amounts in natural foodstuff that are essential to normal metabolism and lack of which in the diet causes deficiency diseases. Vitamins are required in trace amounts (micrograms to milligrams per day) in the diet for health, growth and reproduction.
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Most Popular Articles
-
Absorption and Transport of Thiamin The bioavailability of thiamin occurring naturally in foods is believed to be high. Foods containing the...
-
The discovery of the MMADHC gene has significantly advanced our understanding of a rare but severe genetic disorder linked to vitamin B12 me...
-
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds known for their potent antioxidant properties, which play a crucial role in protecting the bod...
-
Vitamin D stands out among fat-soluble vitamins because the body can synthesize it using sunlight from a precursor derived from cholesterol....
-
Strawberries are not just a delightful treat but a powerhouse of essential nutrients that contribute significantly to overall health. These...