Category: Nutrition

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A peach of a result for diversity and nutrition

Nobody eats a peach because they fancy a shot of carotenoids. Or do they? If so, they’d be better off choosing a yellow-fleshed variety. Scientists at Texas A&M University have examined the nutrients in 22 peach and 53 plum varieties and — Lo! — there are significant differences among them. ((Vizzotto, M., Cisneros-Zevallos, L., Byrne, D.H., Ramming, D.W. and Okie, W.R. 2006. TOTAL PHENOLIC, CAROTENOID, AND ANTHOCYANIN CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF PEACH AND PLUM GENOTYPES. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 713:453-456.))

The differences in the genotype’s specific antioxidant capacity indicated that the phenolic profiles in the genotypes differ significantly. In general, the wide range of phytochemical content and antioxidant activity (AOA) found indicate that the genetic variability present can be used to develop cultivars with enhanced health benefits.

Meantime, if you can’t wait for new varieties, just pick red fleshed peaches for antioxidant activity and yellow ones for a vitamin A boost. Seriously, this is another little package of data on varietal differences, and as such we welcome it.

Hat tip: Seeds Aside.

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Not so cool cartograms

Worldmapper has a new series of cartograms out, and very depressing they are too. ((Via National Geographic.)) They show the size of territories scaled in proportion to the absolute numbers of deaths from various causes. Look in particular at the nutritional deficiencies map. But for a real shock, check out the specific map for vitamin A deficiency. Remember, this is something that is totally preventable, thanks to agrobiodiversity. No wonder that scientists working in Africa have highlighted the importance of high beta-carotene sweet potato cultivars in the recent global survey of sweet potato research priorities carried out by the International Potato Centre (CIP). ((Via EurekAlert.)) Coincidentally, I also found today a report on an attempt to promote sweet potato (and other root crops) on the ground in Africa, focusing on women and homegardens. ((Via Eldis.)) The researchers say that one of the things that can be useful in encouraging adoption is providing information on nutritional benefits.