research update


Million-dollar study has healthy aim


Anti-inflammatory qualities couldmean big marketing opportunities for blueberries and their by-products. By Judie Steeves


R


esearch work under way at BioAtlantech in New Brunswick, with the help of more than $1 million in federal funding, could be key to opening up new global markets for Canadian blueberries.


John Argall is executive-director of BioAtlantech and says that while the research may be based on the low-bush, ‘wild’ blueberry that’s native to Eastern Canada, it would apply equally to the high-bush blueberries cultivated in the Fraser Valley.


“There’s little difference in content.


blueberries such as juices or purees. “The medium they’re often carried in now, such as pies, are not necessarily good for your health,” he commented. On the other hand, uses such as in smoothies, which could make use of a pureed product, are a more healthful vehicle for promoting good health, he suggested.


Fermenting berries could increase the polyphenolics, which may have a health impact on blood sugar levels, an important concern of those with diabetes, he noted.


This would be an non-alcoholic, short duration fermentation, he added. Results of the work should be out in March, 2013 and it’s hoped that commercialization will occur rapidly because of the involvement of the investor community.


John Argall, executive-director of New Brunswick’s BioAtlantech.


The bulk of the goodness is in the skin, and because they’re a smaller berry there may be a little more in the way of flavonoids in the wild berries,” he explained. What they’re looking at is the anti-inflammatory qualities of ingredients in blueberries, which scientists believe can be helpful for people with heart disease, brain disease or even vision diseases.


“We’re looking for a better understanding of their anti- inflammatory properties,” Argall said.


Research has already shown there are antioxidants in the blueberry, which are important cancer-fighting compounds.


Argall said they are also looking at what quantity of blueberries is needed per day to improve human health, and they’re researching other value-added products for


Project partners include the University of Ottawa, the University of Montreal and Vaccinium Technologies Ltd. which will enhance knowledge around a novel fermentation technology


and its promising applications in the mitigation of diabetes and obesity, said Argall.


Dalhousie University will gain substantive new information that may provide alternative therapeutic tools using the blueberry for specific vision pathologies like age- related macular degeneration.


Improving health and wellness through diet is very popular today, so this research is intended to capitalize on blueberries’ role in dietary health, with expanded scientific knowledge.


Blueberry-rich commercial products could be marketed for their health qualities and significantly increase the demand for blueberries, he said.


Funding is through the Developing Innovative Agri- Products (DIAP) program delivered by Growing Forward.


British Columbia Berry Grower • Fall 2011 17


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