SVO Article in Cascade Minerals

Sunset Valley Organics Makes Cascade Minerals  Part of Its Healthy Soils Program

Located in the middle of the Willamette Valley in Western Oregon, Sunset Valley Organics is a family farm owned and operated by Bob Wilt and Wilt Farms. The farm’s roots date back to the early 1900’s, but it wasn’t until several years ago that Bob Wilt switched over to organic production after recognizing the link between soil health and nutrition.

Today, Sunset Valley Organics produces great tasting, nutrient dense organic berries that require minimal processing because they are grown in healthy soil that is teeming with beneficial microbes.

Click here to read the whole article

Health Awareness Coconut Bliss

Coconuts seem to be one of the many hip things to eat these days, and with good reason Coconut & Coconut Oil are packed full with useful things our bodies can use, such as:

1. Coconut Oil Contains a Unique Combination of Fatty Acids With Powerful Medicinal Properties: coconut oil doesn’t contain your average run-of-the-mill saturated fats like you would find in cheese or steak.No, they contain so-called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – which are fatty acids of a medium length.Most of the fatty acids in the diet are long-chain fatty acids, but the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently.They go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick source energy or turned into so-called ketone bodies, which can have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.

2. Populations That Eat a LOT of Coconut Are Among The Healthiest People on The Planet:Coconut is kind of an “exotic” food in the Western world, primarily consumed by health conscious people.However, in some parts of the world, coconut is a dietary staple that people have thrived on for many generations.The best example of such a population is the Tokelauans, which live in the South Pacific.They eat over 60% of their calories from coconuts and are the biggest consumers of saturated fat in the world.These people are in excellent health, with no evidence of heart disease.Another example of a population that eats a lot of coconut and remains in excellent health is the Kitavans.

3. Coconut Oil Can Increase Your Energy Expenditure, Helping You Burn More Fat: Obesity is currently one of the biggest health problems in the world.While some people think obesity is only a matter of calories, others (myself included) believe that the sources of those calories are critical too.It is a fact that different foods affect our bodies and hormones in different ways. In this regard, a calorie is NOT a calorie.The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats.One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24 hour energy expenditure by 5%, totaling about 120 calories per day.

4. The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Are Turned into Ketones, Which Can Reduce Seizures:A so-called ketogenic (very low carb, very high fat) diet is currently being studied to treat various disorders.The best known therapeutic application of this diet is treating drug-resistant epilepsy in children.This diet involves eating very little carbohydrates and large amounts of fat, leading to greatly increased concentrations of ketone bodies in the blood.For some reason, this diet can dramatically reduce the rate of seizures in epileptic children, even those who haven’t had success with multiple different types of drugs.Because the MCTs in coconut oil get shipped to the liver and turned into ketone bodies, they are often used in epileptic patients to induce ketosis while allowing for a bit more carbs in the diet.

5. Coconut Oil Can Improve Blood Cholesterol Levels and May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease:Coconut oil is loaded with saturated fats, which actually do not harm the blood lipid profile like previously thought.Saturated fats raise HDL (the good) cholesterol and change the LDL cholesterol to a benign subtype. In one study in 40 women, coconut oil reduced Total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL compared to soybean oil. There are also rat studies showing that coconut oil reduces triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, increases HDL and improves blood coagulation factors and antioxidant status.This improvement in cardiovascular risk factors should theoretically lead to a reduced risk of heart disease over the long term.

This month we are all about health awareness, but that doesn't mean you can't have your cake and eat it too. And to do that we have a delicious Coconut & Lemon Ball Bliss recipe for you all!

Don't these look delicious? With just five ingredients these are a perfect way to add a delicious snack for a healthy living choice! 

Makes approx. 15 balls. Calories per ball: 151.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded coconut + extra 

• ½ cup almonds 

• 2-3 tbsp honey or rice malt syrup (to taste) 

• 2 tbsp coconut oil 

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Directions: 

• Place all ingredients into the food processor and blend for 1 minute.

• Roll into small balls around the size of a 10c piece.

• Roll in extra coconut.

• Place on a lined tray and chill in the fridge until firm.

Health Awareness Month

May is National Health Month. We all try to do our best to be healthy, and be good to our bodies. But some times thats hard, but little changes are what can make the biggest differences. Plus if you make a bunch of small changes eventually they all add up into something much bigger. So this month we are post recipes that are delicious but have that healthy idea behind them. Be sure to check out our blog every Saturday for new recipes!

Here are some small ideas to help kick start your super healthy month!

Wear a pedometer. Wearable technology is becoming all the thing, but you don't have to be fancy. New research suggests that routinely wearing a pedometer encourages people to walk about an extra mile each day, lose weight, and lower their blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking and a total of 10,000 steps per day.

Don't pop too many vitamins. Enthusiasm for vitamin pills is high, but evidence for their benefits is low. Try to get vitamins from foods and consider a multivitamin for insurance. Women should get at least 1,000 mgs of calcium per day (1,200 mgs/day if you're past menopause) from food and/or supplements. Everyone should also get 800 international units of Vitamin D per day -- more than the federal "Recommended Daily Allowance." A great way to get some of those vitamins is from our berries and berry products. Our mission is to give you guys, our customers, the most nutrient dense fruit possible. 

Eat at least two fish meals per week. The evidence is strong that the oils in darker types of fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring, are beneficial for the heart and brain and may even lower risk of cancer.

Drink water. No matter where you are, water should always be the first thing you reach for when you're thirsty. Water truly is essential.

Sleep 8 hours a night. A number of recent studies have confirmed that you really do need at least 8 hours a night. Among the many benefits: Adequate sleep makes you feel better, decreases risk for cardiovascular disease, boosts memory and reduces the likelihood of being in a car accident.

Don't focus on dieting. Focus on eating. If you're hungry, you're more likely to overeat, especially in the evening. Instead, of sacrificing all day and gorging later, it's better to eat enough during the day to avoid hunger pangs and uncontrolled eating at night. Eat every four hours or so, and make sure to eat a "second lunch" -- think of it as another meal rather than a snack -- in the mid-afternoon to keep your energy up and make you less hungry in the evening.

See our recipes that go with this months theme!

Coconut Bliss
Grilled Salmon With Avocado Salsa
Chewy Raspberry Apple Granola Bars
Berry Good Smoothie

Stress Release Recipe, Blueberry Antioxidants

Blueberry & Raspberry Baked Oatmeal inspired from So How's it Taste?

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Old- Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts, Divided
• 1/2 Tsp. Baking Powder
• 3/4 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup (sugar free is a great option!)
• 1 Cup Milk (of your choice)
• 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
• 2 Tbsp. Unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2-3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries*, divided
• 1/2 cup raspberries*, divided

*the berries can be fresh or frozen

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, half of the walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the syrup, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.

3. Spread the sliced bananas in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the berries. Sprinkle the dry oat mixture over the fruit in an even layer. Pour the liquid ingredients evenly over the oats.

4. Sprinkle the remaining nuts and berries over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is browned and the oats have set. Let cool 10 minutes before serving

Delicious Snacks for Back to School

Back to school is such an exciting time of the year, but with school comes early mornings which some may not enjoy when they have come a custom to sleeping later. We have gathered up some yummy and creative ways to have fun when it comes to snacks, treats, and meals. 

 1) An Animal Snack Attack from sugarpop.com
There are 17 awesome works of art that are easy to create at home, while we can show you all 17 here are a few of our favorites. The only down side to these wonderful images is there are no recipes to go off of, however everything seems to be able to be recreated from just looking at the images. Have fun making these delicious treats!

2) Blueberry Pancakes from Baker by Nature
We might be a bit bias on this one, but blueberry pancakes are a great way to start the day! 

Ingredients:

• *Makes about 14 pancakes
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2/3 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 4 tablespoons butter, for the pan
• Maple syrup, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large bowl whisk together the egg yolks, sour cream, milk, sugar, salt, vanilla, and baking powder.
2. In a separate large bowl add flour and blueberries and toss to combine, making sure berries are fully coated in the flour.
3. Add flour mixture to the wet milk mixture, and stir just to combine; do not over mix! The batter will be thick, so don't worry if there's a lot of clumps left.
4. Add egg whites to a large bowl or the body of a stand mixer. Beat using a handheld mixer or the whisk attachment until the whites begin to form soft peaks.
5. With a rubber spatula fold egg whites into flour/cheese mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
6. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Ladle 1/3 cup scoops of the batter into the skillet, only cooking a few at a time so they don't blend together.
8. Cook pancakes until the edges begin to brown and the top of the batter bubbles, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat for all pancake batter.
9. Top pancakes with syrup and extra blueberries, or anything else your heart desires! Serve at once.

3) Homemade Goldfish Crackers

Sure you can buy them at the store, but if you make them at home, you can make them organic, and healthier. Adapted from food4tots

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120g) plain flour.As an alternative you can use 1/4 cup plain flour, and 3/4 cup coconut flour (or even certified organic flour or certified organic coconut flour).
• 8oz (220g) sharp/extra sharp certified organic cheddar cheese, shredded.
• 60g cold butter cut into cubes
• 1/4-1/2 teaspooon sea salt
• 2 tbs cold water

Directions:

1. Using a pastry blender, cut butter into the flour until it forms coarse crumbs.
2. Add sea salt to mixture.
3. Add shredded cheese and cut into the mixture.
4. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
5. use hand to form dough and divide into 2 portions. Wrap them in plastic and chill for 20 minutes (or longer).
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking trays with parchment paper. 
7. Take out one portion of the dough from the fridge. Work with one portion at a time. Place dough in between two sheets of wax paper or cling wrap. Roll dough out to 3mm (1/8 in) thickness. Cut out shapes with your choice of cookie cutters and transfer to baking tray. 
8. Use chopstick or toothpick to make the eye balls, and the prong of a for to carve a curvy lip. (this step is optional)
9. Gather all the trimmings and re-roll. Repeat until all the dough is used up. 
10. Bake or approximately 15-17 minutes, until the crackers are crispy and golden around edges. Timing will vary according to size and shape of your crackers. Cool for 10 minutes on baking tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Sore in an airtight container. 

Notes: 

1. You can substitute it with 50-100% whole wheat flour.
2. Shred the cheese finer than what is shown in the photo so that you can easily cut them into the mixture.
3. Get orange cheese if you can.
4. If you have food processor, pulse everything (except water) together until the dough resembles coarse sand. Then follow with step 4.
5. Thinner dough means crispier crackers; thicker dough means puffier, more bread-like crackers. But, the dough must not be too thin or else the crackers will be difficult to handle.
6. Crackers will turn soft pretty fast even they are kept inside an airtight container. Best to be eaten immediately or within a day or two. To extend them for a week or so, I keep them in the fridge. Lightly warm them up in the toaster oven when I want to eat them.

GMO in Oregon: A Year of Progress

Last year we posted about what exactly GMO's are and what they can do to our bodies. In a years time two counties have passes measures that prevent GMO plants being planted in their boundaries. Those counties are Jackson (15-119 Ordinance to Ban Growing of Some "Genetically-Engineered" (defined) Plants) and Josephine (17-58 Josephine County Genetically Engineered Plant Ordinance). For now these are the only counties that are able to act against GMO's in Oregon because Gov. K... banned the counties from acting on their own and moved it to a state level, to be dealt with by Oregon's government, however 150,000 signatures have been gathered, which means come November the people will vote on GMO's and determine the fate of the state. The measure Oregonians will be voting on will be require food to be labeled regarding weather or not the contain GMO's.

In the mean time the best way to prevent eating GMO's is to eat certified organic foods, they by definition can not contain any GMO's. Most certified organic farmers are even now having additional testing for GMO's so they can say with certianity they do not contain any GMO's.

Here is some additional information on Oregon's Measure 92

The Non-GMO Project has also taken off like wildfire, in just walking around my local grocery store I am seeing more and more Non-GMO Project labels. This non-profit organization is the only third party verification and labeling for Non-GMO's in North America. They currently have over 20,000 verified products from 2,200 brands,

It's our right to know what is in the food we eat, what has been done to it, and where it comes from, and it's good to hold everyone in the food industry accountable. There is still a lot we don't know about GMO's, so just because we don't know they aren't bad for us doesn't rule out that they are bad.

If you live in the state of Oregon, remember to vote this November because our votes are going to have a huge impact on food labeling and GMOs.

Health Benefits of Strawberries

Need more reasons to love strawberries? Well here is ten, we are so excited for summer and strawberry season! Those sweet juicy berries will be here before you know it.

1. Strawberries boost immunity. These little guys are a great source for vitamin C. Most mammals with the exception of humans have the ability to produce vitamin C naturally, which is why we need to make sure we get the proper amount everyday. And strawberries are so delicious, why would you say no? In one serving of fresh strawberries (which is half a cup) you get about 52mg which is about half of the daily requirement, so all you have to do is double up to a whole cup and you get all the vitamin C you need everyday. Yum! 

2. Strawberries promote eye health. The antioxidants in strawberries might also prevent cataracts,

which can lead to blindness in old age. But not for us! Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun's UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening  the eye's cornea and retina. While high doses of vitamin C have been found to increase the risk of cataracts in women over 65, researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm note that the risk pertains to vitamin C obtained from supplements, not the vitamins from fruits and vegetables.

3. Strawberries help fight cancer. Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention since a healthy immune system is the body's best defense. A phytochemical called elegiac- acid also found in strawberries-is another. Elegiac acid has been shown to have an anti-cancer properties like suppressing cancer cell growth. Strawberries also have the antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are scavengers to free-radical and neutralized the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells.

4. Strawberries can help minimize wrinkles. Vitamin C is a powerful tool we need to take more advantage of, as it is vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve sink's elasticity and resilience. Since we lose collagen as we age, eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, younger-looking sin. But vitamin C isn't the only naturally- occurring wrinkle fighter found in strawberries. Researchers at hallym university in the republic of Korea concluded that elegiac acid visibly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response- two major factors in development of wrinkles- in human skin cells, after continued exposure to skin-damaging UV-B rays.

5. Strawberries fight bad cholesterol. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, hearth disease is one of the leading causes of death among Canadian women. Luckily, strawberries also contain powerful heart-health boosters.  “Ellagic acid and flavonoids— or phytochemicals—can provide an antioxidant effect that can benefit heart health in various ways,” explains Edwards. “One way includes counteracting the effect of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL—bad cholesterol in the blood—which causes plaque to build up in arteries. A second way is that they provide an anti-inflammatory effect, which is also good for the heart.” Researchers at the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center in Toronto studied the effect of strawberries on a cholesterol-lowering diet and concluded that adding strawberries to the diet reduced oxidative damage, as well as blood lipids—both of which play a role in heart disease and diabetes.

6. Strawberries reduce inflammation. The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in strawberries

may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may cause arthritis and can also lead to heart disease. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health shows that women who eat 16 or more strawberries per week are 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP)—an indication of inflammation in the body.

7. Strawberries regulate blood pressure. Potassium is yet another heart healthy nutrient, and with 134 mg per serving, strawberries are considered a "medium source," according to Alberta Health Services. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure and may even help to lower high blood pressure by acting as a buffer against the negative effects of sodium. With their impact on the reduction of LDL, inflammation and high blood pressure, strawberries have earned the title of one of the most heart-healthy fruits you can eat.

8. Strawberries boost fibre. Fibre is a necessity for healthy digestion, and strawberries naturally contain about 2 g per serving. Problems that can arise from lack of fibre include constipation and diverticulitis—an inflammation of the intestines—which affects approximately 50 percent of people over 60. Fibre can also aid in fighting type 2 diabetes. “Fibre helps slow the absorption of sugars (i.e. glucose) in the blood,” says Edwards. "As a result, adults who are managing diabetes can enjoy strawberries—in moderation—in their diet."

9. Strawberries aid in weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best defenses against type 2 diabetes and heart disease, not to mention just plain good for your overall well-being. “Strawberries are naturally low calorie (around 28 kCal per serving), fat-free and low in both sodium and sugar,” says Edwards. “Strawberries do contain natural sugars—though total sugars are fairly low with 4 grams per serving—and the total carbohydrate content is equivalent to less than a half slice of bread. Triple your serving to 1.5 cups and you'll have a snack that's less than 100 calories—and much healthier than those pre-packaged 100-calorie snacks!”

10. Strawberries promote pre-natal health. Folate is a B-vitamin recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, and strawberries are a good source with 21 mcg per serving. Folate is necessary in the early stages of pregnancy to help in the development of the baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord, and the folic acid in strawberries may help to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.

How To Keep Berries Fresh Longer

I am sure many of you are aware of this little tip but if not there is a simple little trick to keeping berries fresh for days or maybe even a week longer.

I find myself making two trips to the store most weeks because my kiddos can literally eat pounds of fresh berries in just a day or two. This takes a few extra minutes when you get home but the bonus is you might get to buy more up front and skip an extra trip to the store.

Or if you have a hard time getting through the berries you buy, it gives you a little extra time to eat your fruit before the mold sets in.

I was always told not to wash berries until you are ready to eat but actually you can wash them in advance and then grab and go!

Once you get home just submerge your berries in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water.  (So 1 cup vinegar for every 10 cups of water.)

I have actually used up to 1 cup vinegar for 3 cups water so you don’t need to be super careful with measurements.

Some people use the sink and just stopper it but I get squeamish about using the sink since sinks really are pretty germy.

I have a little tub that works great from the Dollar Tree. Just add your water and vinegar solution and dump them in.  Let them soak for just a few minutes and then the key is to let them dry completely.

You can either spread them on a dish towel to dry or set them in a colander.  Once they are dry place a paper towel on the bottom of your container, add the fruit and voila!  You are done.

Pop them in the fridge like normal. What I actually like to do is cut the tops off as they are laid out to dry and slice them and then put them in a Tupperware.  It makes the fruit easy to grab and go (and I am more likely to actually grab it and not a handful of chips!)

This process should be fine for raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries.  And you will not taste any vinegar flavor on your berries.

From My Frugal Adventures

GMO's, Monsanto, & Your Role

The issue of GMO's are becoming a hotter and hotter topic, and there is a serious demand for labeling of foods that contain GMO's or don't. The good news is that if your buying your food from Certified Organic farmers or sources then that food does not contain any GMO's. This is because of the use of GMO's is prohibited in Certified Organic practices by the USDA, "The use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is prohibited in organic products. This means an organic farmer can’t plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can’t eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic soup producer can’t use any GMO ingredients. To meet the USDA organic regulations, farmers and processors must show they aren’t using GMOs and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances, such as GMOs, from farm to table." Organic 101: Can GMOs Be Used in Organic Products?

In the aspect of getting legislation passed that would require companies to say whether or not their product contains GMO's there is a large push for it not to pass. Most of the pressure is coming from a company called Monsanto, they are the same company that produces round-up. 

For more information about what exactly a GMO is click here, it's a great article that explains the difference between non-GMO and GMO. 

The best thing that anyone can do while the politicians sort things out is to support you local Certified Organic Famers. Your supporting your local community, and your putting your money into what you believe is right for your health. 

Hope this helps everyone out a bit, we will be continuing to follow this topic through its process. 

Willamette Living Magazine, August Issue

Check out this months issue of Willamette Living Magazine! Our fresh blueberries and raspberries made the cover, and the look simply delicious! We also had the amazing opportunity to hand pick some recipes for the magazine. These can be found on page 94 of the online edition, and page 63 of the printed edition. Check it out here.

Stress Awareness Month

This month is national stress awareness month, so here are some helpful foods to release stress, along with some yummy recipes and some great articles to check out. Be sure to keep checking back to this blog through out the month for other useful information and recipes.

Super foods for stress relief (source: Better Homes & Gardens & Whole Living)

1. Asparagus
2. Beef
3. Milk
4. Cottage Cheese & Fruit
5. Almonds
6. Blueberries
7. Tuna
8. Cornflakes or crispy rice cereal
9. Avocado

Basically foods that are a good source of Vitamin B6 (such as avocados  baked potatoes, bananas, chickpeas, yellow-fin tuna, steamed green beans), Vitamin B12 (Clams, milk (fat-free), plain yogurt  sardines, chicken) these foods along with other B Vitamins helps our bodies form GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. Folate (Folic Acid) such as asparagus, chickpeas, lentils,  oatmeal, orange juice, dark leafy greens. These foods help our bodies make dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Vitamin C such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, red and green peppers, strawberries. These foods help boost our immune system and fights brain-cell damage resulting from constant exposure to cortisol. 

 

Need some inspiration to kick start your kitchen check out this delicious recipe;

What You Need

Bunch of Asparagus – about 15

Salt

Pepper

Lemon Zest – 1/2 a lemon

Olive Oil

Parmesan Cheese

What To Do

Preheat the oven to 350

Trim the ends of the asparagus – place into large bowl.

Drizzle oil over asparagus – I do about 1 – 2 tablespoons. Just enough to make sure each are lightly covered in oil.

Season with salt and pepper – I do a pinch of salt and about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper

Add lemon zest.

Mix

Spread Asparagus onto a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle a “healthy” amount of cheese – I tend to use about 1/4 of a cup.

Bake until cheese is melted and starting to brown.

For more delicous recipes check out Budget Savey  Diva 

Business of the Week Article

The Corvallis Sustainability Coalition does interviews with their members every week, last week we were featured! Check out the article here & check out the CSC site here.

Superbowl Commerical Dodg Ram "Farmer"

For those of you who might have missed the superbowl or its famous commericals this is one that hit home for us. Please watch and enjoy!

Genetic Roulette - The Gamble of our Lives

We received this video from one of our consultants, and we thought it would be very educational to pass on to our customers because its part of our philosophy, and how we approach our farming.

The Power of Color in What We Eat

We have been reading a lot recently about how the color of the food we eat has a deeper meaning than just appealing to our taste buds.

 In an article from Vita Choice they featured an article that talked about a study in China found evidence that "provided clinical evidence that they anthocyanin-type polyphenols in berries" which basically means that the antioxidant compounds in berries and select other foods (eggplant, black rice, grapes, and red cabbage) have this natural "anthoccyanin."

In another article it was talked about how it use to be thought that polyphenols were thought to be directly related to the antiodidants in plant foods, however it now become clearer that they are but not to such a significant extent as it was thought. Polyphenolos bring their benefits mostly through indirect means, or "nutrigenomic" effects. These effects are evident by anti-inflammatory responses and beneficially modular in the bodies antioxidant network (this includes enzymes, lipoci acid, etc.).

Below you will find these articles mentioned above and a couple of other for further reading.
Enjoy!

• Berry Colors Cut Heart-Attacking Inflammation
•  Can Berry Colors Help Hearts and Brains?
•  Blueberries Aid and Relax Arteries
• Berries' Brain Benefits Affirmed, Expanded