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Health Benefits of Coconut Oil | Organic Facts

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Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a multitude of health benefits, which include but are not limited to skin care, hair care, improving digestion and immunity against a host of infections and diseases. The oil is used not just in tropical countries, where coconut plantations are abundant, but also in the US and the UK. People are discovering the wonders this oil can create and it is again gaining popularity throughout the world. Let us see how many of these benefits you are aware of.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Skin care: Coconut oil is excellent massage oil that acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, including dry skin. Unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin from the application of coconut oil. Therefore, it is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of skin, which normally accompany aging.

It helps in preventing degenerative diseases premature aging due to its well-known antioxidant properties. It also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. For that exact reason, coconut oil forms the base ingredient of various body care products like soaps, lotions, and creams that are used for skin care.

Hair care: Coconut oil helps in healthy growth of hair and gives your hair a shiny quality. It is also highly effective in reducing protein loss, which can lead to various unattractive or unhealthy qualities in your hair. It is used as hair care oil and is used in manufacturing various conditioners and dandruff relief creams. It is normally applied topically for hair care.

Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. It is an excellent conditioner and helps the re-growth process of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing and healing damaged hair. Research studies indicate that coconut oil provides better protection to hair from damage caused by hygral fatigue.

By regularly massaging your head with coconut oil, you can ensure that your scalp is free of dandruff, even if your scalp is chronically dry. It also helps in keeping your hair and scalp free from lice and lice eggs.

Heart diseases: There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for heart health. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats.In reality, it is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Coconut oil does not lead to increase in LDL levels, and it reduces the incidence of injury and damage to arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis. Study suggests that intake of coconut oil may help to maintain healthy lipid profiles in pre-menopausal women.

Weight loss: Coconut oil is very useful for weight loss. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. Research suggests that coconut oil helps to reduce abdominal obesity in women. It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system. Further, it increases the body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more energy and helping obese and overweight people lose the weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who use coconut oil every day as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.

Immunity: It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Coconut oil helps in fighting harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

Digestion: Internal functions of coconut oil occur primarily due to it being used as cooking oil. It helps to improve the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion. It also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Candida: Candida, also known as Systemic Candidiasis, is a tragic disease caused from excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans in the stomach. Coconut provides relief from the inflammation caused by candida, both externally and internally. Its high moisture retaining capacity keeps the skin from cracking or peeling off. Capric acid, Caprylic acid, caproic acid, myristic acid and lauric acid found in coconut oil help in eliminating Candida albicans.

Further, unlike other pharmaceutical treatments for candida, the effects of coconut oil is gradual and not drastic or sudden, which gives the patient an appropriate amount of time to get used to the withdrawal symptoms or Herxheimer Reactions (the name given to the symptoms accompanying body’s rejection of toxins generated during elimination of these fungi). But, in the treatment of this condition, people should systematically and gradually increase their dosages of coconut oil and shouldn’t initially start with a large quantity.

 

Healing and Infections: When applied to infected areas, coconut oil forms a chemical layer that protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Coconut oil is highly effective on bruises because it speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues.

According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills the viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, and other serious health risks. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhoea. Finally, coconut oil is also effective in the elimination of fungi and yeast that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, and diaper rash.

Other Benefits

Coconut oil is strongly recommended for a number of other benefits that are explained below. Using coconut oils has been shown to mildly help the following:

Liver: The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases because those substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing the work load of the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.

Kidney: It helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps to dissolve kidney stones.

Pancreatitis: Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis.

Stress relief: Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying it to the head, followed by a gentle massage, helps to eliminate mental fatigue. According to research virgin coconut oil gives relief from stress and has antioxidant properties.

Diabetes: Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also promotes the effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.

Bones: As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the development of bones. Thus, it is very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.

Dental care: Calcium is an important component of our teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in developing strong teeth. It also stops tooth decay. Recent research suggests that coconut oil is beneficial in reducing plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis.

HIV and cancer: It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing a person’s viral susceptibility for HIV and cancer patients. Preliminary research has shown an indication of this effect of coconut oil on reducing the viral load of HIV patients.

Coconut oil is often used by athletes, body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that it contains less calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy, and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps boost energy and endurance, and generally enhances the performance of athletes.

Coconut oil and Alzheimer’s disease: The research conducted by Dr. Newport states that the oil is useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Apart from this there is no scientific evidence or traditional knowledge of coconut oil being used for treating Alzheimer’s. In fact, it is not traditionally thought that the oil helps in boosting the function of the brain in any form.

Use as Carrier Oil

Carrier oils are those oils, which easily penetrate or absorb into the skin and thus facilitate seepage or absorption of other oils (such as essential oils) and herbal extracts through the skin when mixed into it.It is easily absorbed through the skin’s pores and thus is used as carrier oil. Furthermore, being one of the most stable oils, it doesn’t go rancid, nor does it let the other oils, herbal extracts, or medicines spoil inside of it. It does not alter the properties of the oils and herbs mixed within it. It also protects the herbs and oils from microbial or fungal interactions. Coconut oil is expensive in several countries; however, in tropical countries its cost is low enough to make it affordable as carrier oil.

Buying Coconut Oil

There are primarily 6 varieties of coconut oil: pure, refined, virgin, organic, fractionated and extra virgin (this is most debated form as there are no standards on virginity and it is unclear as to what qualifies as extra virgin oil). When you want to buy coconut oil, first of all, you need to decide why you need it and where you are going to use it. Your choice should be based on your need, like whether you want it for edible purposes or as a carrier oil to be used in aromatherapy, for massaging, for weight loss, or for medicinal purposes. Below is a list of such purposes and the type of coconut oil to buy.

Purpose————–Preferable Type to Buy

Cooking—————-Refined

Weight Loss———–Virgin

As a Carrier Oil——-Virgin, Fractionated

Good Health———-Virgin, Organic

Massaging————-Pure, Refined

Hair——————–Pure, Refined

Medicinal uses——–Virgin, Virgin Organic

Furthermore, before you buy coconut oil, you should keep in mind that for edible and therapeutic uses, refined oil is the best as it is hygienic and clean. Unrefined oil is good for external applications like hair care and skin care.

How to use and store it?

Unlike most other oils, coconut oil has a high melting point – about 24 to 25 degrees Celsius or 76-78 Fahrenheit. Therefore it is solid at room temperature and melts only when the temperature rises considerably. It is often in this form, and obviously, don’t keep it in your refrigerator.

If you are using coconut oil for topical purposes, especially hair care, just melt the oil (if it is solid) by keeping the bottle in the sun or soaking it in warm water. You can also take some oil out and put it in a small bowl and heat the bowl over a flame (don’t use a microwave). Then, take the oil on your palm and apply it to your hair. If you want to use it for internal consumption, simply replace butter or vegetable oils with coconut oil in your recipes. Remember, you don’t need to completely switch to coconut oil, because then you will lose the other benefits of more traditional oils and dairy products.

In colder countries, coconut oil comes in good, broad containers. However, if you get it in a pack (tetra-pack or plastic pouch), after opening the pack, be sure to keep the oil in containers with tight lid and broad mouth so that you can scoop it out with a spoon if it solidifies. Keeping it sealed or lidded is necessary because there are other admirers of coconut oil (ants, cockroaches, other insects and rodents just love it!).

I don’t like the taste of coconut oil. What should I do?: Try using it in a variety of different recipes. However, if you get nauseated after eating coconut oil, don’t force yourself to eat it. As can happen with any food item, your body may be allergic to coconut oil and it is best not to consume it.

Where to buy from?: Pure and refined coconut oils are easily available in most grocery stores, especially in tropical countries. For other varieties, you may need to search in larger department stores or drug stores. In countries which do not produce coconut oil, like the US, Canada, and most of Europe, you will need to visit big grocers or grocery stores in localities which have higher populations of people from India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and coastal Africa. Obviously, you can order it online as well and have it delivered wherever you live.

Which brand to buy?: When you are buying coconut oil in packs, go for the reliable and reputable brands. Read the contents carefully and check the manufacturing date (although it has a long shelf life, fresher is still better).

How much to pay?: The price of coconut oil depends on many factors such as its availability (cheaper where it is produced and more costly in other places, and it is even more expensive when ordered via phone, Internet etc.). The price is also affected by demand, variety (the refined one costs the least, followed by the fractionated, the virgin, the organic and the organic virgin coconut oils), brand, and quantity (buying in bulk costs a little less).

How much to buy? Buy only as much you can consume in few months, because despite the fact that coconut oil does not go rancid for a long time, it is not wise to store it unnecessarily. You will get better results with fresh coconut oil.

Composition of Coconut Oil

More than 90% of coconut oil consists of saturated fats (Don’t panic! It’s not as bad as it sounds, read to the end of this review and your opinion may change), along with traces of a few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin coconut oil is no different from this.

Saturated fatty acids: Most of them are medium chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well in the body’s systems.

  • Lauric acid is the chief contributor, representing more than 40% of the total, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin. Lauric acid is helpful in dealing with viruses and diseases.
  • Capric acid reacts with certain enzymes secreted by other bacteria, which subsequently convert it into a powerful antimicrobial agent, monocaprin.
  • Caprylic acid, caproic acid and myristic acid are rich in antimicrobial and antifungal properties

Unsaturated fatty acids: Polyunsaturated fatty acids- linoleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids- Oleic acid

Poly-phenols: Coconut contains Gallic acid, which is also known as phenolic acid. These polyphenols are responsible for the fragrance and the taste of coconut oil and Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these polyphenols.

Derivatives of fatty acid: Betaines, ethanolamide, ethoxylates, fatty esters, fatty polysorbates, monoglycerides and polyol esters.

Derivatives of fatty alcohols: Fatty chlorides, fatty alcohol sulphate and fatty alcohol ether sulphate

Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin E, vitamin K and minerals such as iron.

Hope this will be of some help to you. Got any suggestions? Your comments are welcome! You may also share this information with your friends. Thanks!

Improve Your Kidney Health With Blue Or Purple Colored Foods » Natural News Blogs

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Improve Your Kidney Health With Blue Or Purple Colored Foods

Your kidneys work very hard every day. Why not give them some love through the food you eat? Did you know that purple or blue foods are nature’s best kidney healing foods?

They are bursting with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidizing phytonutrients, called anthocyanidins, to heal your kidneys naturally. This powerful antioxidant is what gives these foods their purple or blue color.

Having purple or blue foods on your plate at least once a day will not only improve your kidney health, but will keep your blood vessels healthy, prevent ageing, improve short-term memory, and may help prevent several types of cancer

1. Purple Cabbage

Cabbage is a master healer as it comes to protecting your gut and kidneys. Purple cabbage makes a tasty and quite sweet kidney healing juice compared to its green brother, which has more bitter aftertaste. Next to its kidney healing properties, purple cabbage is loaded with fiber, folic acid, vitamin B6, C, and K.

Kidney Healing Cabbage Juice: juice ¼ green apple, 3 cups purple cabbage, and 1 head fennel.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are amongst the most nutrient-dense food sources out there. They work great in smoothies, cereal, raw refrigerator jams, and muffins. Or opt for fresh unsweetened blueberry juice to give your kidneys a break.

3. Black Plums

Black plums contain more protective antioxidants than red. Pick the ones that are darkest in color, as they will contain the most antioxidants. To make a healing summer treat, pit and freeze plums and puree them for a quick and healing plum sorbet.

4. Blackberries

Just as blueberries, blackberries are loaded with antioxidants to improve kidney health. Use them in smoothies or as a topping on your cereal or oatmeal.

5. Beets

Beets help to pre-filter the blood, reduce stress on the kidneys, and help prevent or dissolve calcium oxalate stones. Check out my previous article for a kidney and liver cleansing juice recipe[1].

6. Black or Kidney Beans

Its kidney shape and name already suggest which organ will benefit most by adding these to your diet on a regular basis. They have been used for ages as an effective remedy to reduce and prevent kidney stones.

Black bean kidney tonic: boil the pods in purified water in a slow cooker for about 6 hours. Strain the liquid, let cool, and drink throughout the day.

7. Blue Grapes

Red or dark purple colored grapes contain the most healing antioxidants to prevent oxidation, formation of blood cloths, inflammation, and help your kidneys to work more efficiently.

8. Other Purple Or Blue Kidney-Friendly Foods

  • Black Quinoa
  • Seaweed
  • Black or dark purple Rice
  • Eggplant
  • Purple Corn
  • Purple Carrots
  • Purple sweet potato
  • Raisins
  • Mulberries
  • Elderberries

Your kidneys love blue and purple food. So add more color to your plate and heal your kidneys and whole body from the inside out.

Studies show that pomegranates provide many health benefits – NaturalNews.com

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Studies show that pomegranates provide many health benefits

Tuesday, July 01, 2014 by: Michael Ravensthorpe
Tags: pomegranates[1], health benefits[2], antioxidants[3]

(NaturalNews) The pomegranate is one of the world’s oldest known fruits and has long been considered a symbol of health and fertility in its native Persia (modern-day Iran). It is also one of the most interesting fruits to consume: After splitting apart the pomegranate’s tough outer layer, a complex chamber of red seeds lies before you. These small seeds (and their juice) are the only part of the pomegranate that is edible, but — as numerous studies prove — their nutritional value is considerably greater than what you might expect.

Research into pomegranates

Protection from skin cancer — According to a study published in Experimental Dermatology in June 2009, pomegranate juice and oils can protect our skin from solar radiation, thereby guarding us from skin cancer associated with excessive sun exposure. The researchers ascribe this result to the anthocyanins and tannins present in pomegranates, which provide impressive antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. (1) These same properties also provide anti-aging benefits, and can shield us from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory properties — A study published in the Journal of Inflammation in January 2009 found that pomegranate juice can inhibit the inflammatory activity of excess mast cells. (Mast cells are naturally found in the body and play important protective roles but can become an aggressive, inflammatory force when imbalanced.) Again, the researchers ascribe this result to pomegranates’ concentrations of naturally occurring antioxidants. (2)

Reduce cholesterol — Studies have shown that the regular consumption of pomegranates[4] and pomegranate juice can reduce LDL cholesterol in both animals and humans. One study featured in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000, for instance, discovered that pomegranate juice helped inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in human subjects. (3) Excess LDL cholesterol is one of the biggest contributors to coronary heart diseases, which is the most common type of heart disease in the United States.

Mood booster — There’s a good reason why many people feel better after eating a pomegranate[5]: They contain a large number of phytochemicals that stimulate estrogen and serotonin receptors in the body, thereby boosting our mood and reducing feelings of sadness and depression. Research even suggests that long-term consumption of pomegranates and pomegranate products could regulate serotonin levels in the brain, potentially treating low moods caused by chemical imbalances. (4)

High in nutrients — Pomegranates are surprisingly rich in nutrients. In fact, their seeds contain more fiber and minerals than many other more popular fruits. For example, one whole pomegranate contains around 11 grams of dietary fiber (twice the amount of fiber of an average-sized banana), 29 milligrams of vitamin C and 46 micrograms of vitamin K. (5) In all three instances, these numbers average at about 50 percent of our recommended daily intake.

Selecting the best pomegranates

Like all fruits, pomegranates are best eaten raw for maximum health benefits. When purchasing them, select organic pomegranates that feel heavy for their size and radiate a vibrant, unblemished skin. These are the best-quality pomegranates and can be refrigerated for up to two months without having their nutritional value compromised.

Seven amazing reasons to eat more figs

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(NaturalNews) At some time in our lives, many of us opted for tasty fig newton cookies as a healthier cookie than all the others. Then came the Fig Newmans sold in health food stores. Yippee, completely healthy treats!

Almost but not quite. They both contain corn syrup and processed flours and sugar. Although many sources claim corn syrup is not as bad as more highly processed high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), there are also claims that the label corn syrup may be currently used to disguise HFCS.

Fig Newmans are better choices. But even better than both choices are figs only, fresh or dried, unless you’re willing and able to make your own fig jam and totally organic, processed sugar free cookie wrap for homemade fig newtons.

Figs have been around for centuries, probably originating in Egypt around 9200 BC. [1] Adding the 2,000 plus AD years after the BC point places figs into the Paleo diet philosophy of eating only foods that existed before the age of agriculture.

Dried figs or jam mixtures are used commercially because fresh figs don’t hold up well, although they are recommended if you use them quickly. Still popular in the Mediterranean, eating figs has been mostly abandoned in North America, except for those cookie versions of course.

Here is some nutritional information about figs that will surprise you and maybe motivate you to include figs in your diet.

Seven reasons for including figs in your diet

(1) This might be your first surprise: Figs help build stronger bones. They contain the essential bone building trio of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin K2.

Without magnesium, calcium is inert. And without K2, calcium strays away from bone matter and into the blood, possibly calcifying blood vessel inner linings.

(2) Figs are good for heart health. In addition to minimizing calcium deposits in your blood vessels, the magnesium and potassium in figs are essential for maintaining heart health and keeping blood pressure in line.

(3) Figs are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps slow digestion and make you feel fuller. It also helps stabilize and lower blood sugar levels. It’s good for soothing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Insoluble fiber provides the bulk needed to help cleanse the large intestine and eliminate waste easily, reducing constipation incidences. Both types of fiber combine as useful tools for weight management.

(4) Figs help lower serum triglyceride levels. Triglyceride levels are considered more relevant markers for predicting heart health issues and obesity than cholesterol readings.

(5) Dried figs are at the top of the dried fruit list for phenol antioxidant levels. Fruit antioxidants have demonstrated higher eye health benefits than vegetable antioxidants, including carrots, even offering protection against age related macular degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of blindness. [2]

(6) Figs are alkaline producing, helping the body achieve and maintain that optimum 7.0-7.4 pH reading to lead a disease-free healthy life. [3]

(7) Figs are very high in iron, the mineral that helps create red blood cells and prevent anemia. Pregnant women are encouraged to keep their red blood cell levels high. So shove the pickles and chocolates aside and snack on dried figs if you’re expecting.

A cautionary conclusion

Dried figs are higher in natural sugar content than fresh figs. Fresh figs have lower sugar contents, but they’re not as commonly retailed as dried figs, and they don’t keep nearly as long.

But if you’re concerned about the sugar content and you’re pre-diabetic or worse, consider fig leaves, not for concealing private parts, but for eating. Fig leaves have repeatedly demonstrated anti-diabetic properties.

A study that offered fig leaves for breakfast to diabetics showed they required less insulin injections than usual throughout the rest of the day. [2]

KS

The Health Benefits of Berries | Healthy Eats – Food Network Healthy Living Blog

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The Benefits of Berries by Toby Amidor in Healthy Tips, July 10, 2013

mixed berries
Fresh berries are now in season, and I couldn’t be happier. Not only are these babies unbelievably delicious, they’re also brimming with health benefits. Here’s the lowdown on four favorites: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.

Strawberries
One cup of strawberries (about 8 berries) has 50 calories, 3 grams of fiber and more vitamin C than a medium orange. They’re also an excellent source of fiber, folate and potassium. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ranked strawberries third out of more than 1,000 antioxidant-rich foods. Strawberries also contain anthocyanins, which may help protect the nervous system and blood vessels.

Studies have shown that strawberries can help protect against several types of cancer, including breast, colon and leukemia. Research has also found that strawberries help decrease inflammation and control type 2 diabetes. In addition, one study found that eating 8 strawberries a day for 8 weeks helped lower homocysteine levels, a leading risk factor for heart disease.

Blueberries
One cup of these fruits has 84 calories and close to 4 grams of fiber. Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Research has found that blueberries may help prevent prostate cancer and protect against heart disease. Animal research has also found that blueberry extract may help improve memory, balance and coordination—potentially promising for those with Alzheimer’s disease

Raspberries
One cup of raspberries has 70 calories and is an excellent source of vitamin C. The serving is also a good source of fiber, phosphorus and selenium. Raspberries contain anthocyanins (mentioned above) and another phytochemical called quercetin, found to help slow cancer growth.

As with the other berries, studies have shown that raspberries may be useful in preventing esophageal and liver cancer. Raspberries have also been shown to help control blood sugar in diabetics and help prevent liver damage.

Blackberries
One cup of blackberries has 62 calories, 8 grams of fiber and is an excellent source of vitamins C and K and manganese. Blackberries have been found to have the highest amount of antioxidants – higher than the other 3 berries mentioned above! They’re also bursting with all types of phytochemicals, which have been shown to help fight or prevent cancers like liver, colon, lung and esophogeal. Blackberries also contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may help decrease the risk of heart disease.

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Value of Washington organic farm crops rising, acreage shrinking

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KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — For the first time, people seek out Gary Middleton to buy his organic fruit.

That’s something that has taken Middleton, who farms about 100 acres of organic apples, cherries and blueberries near Eltopia, about 13 years to accomplish, and is among the reasons he plans to continue to stay organic.

The number of organic acres farmed in the state is dropping, from almost 105,000 in 2009 to an estimated 88,100 in 2012, according to a recent study by Washington State University’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources.

But the value of the state’s organic crops is rising.

It grew by 20 percent from 2010-11, to $284.5 million, the study said. That’s the highest value in seven years.

Eastern Washington counties accounted for about 82 percent of that value.

Some of the drop in acreage may be because farmers have realized the amount of work, expense and challenge involved with farming organically, said Middleton of Middleton Organic Orchards.

Organic agriculture is more labor-intensive, requiring hand thinning and hand weeding, he explained. At the peak, when blueberries and cherries are harvested simultaneously, he’ll need about 250 people.

Organic prices have to be high enough to cover those increased costs.

“I love being an organic farmer, but it still comes down to economics,” he said.

Organic farmers don’t use herbicides, and are limited in the pesticides and fertilizers they can use.

Middleton uses compost for fertilizer, which requires more planning when it comes to nutrients. It doesn’t deliver as much nitrogen as fast as synthetic products.

But organic agriculture seems a good fit for stewardship of the land, he said. He’s noticed that the beneficial insects, including bees and ladybugs, have increased.

Most of the blueberries still were green last week, although a few showed a hint of a bluish-purple hue.

Middleton’s irrigation system was going on and off in a 15-minute rotation to cool his apples and blueberries and to suppress sunburn.

The blueberry and cherry harvests will likely start around the end of this month, Middleton said. Blueberries will be color-picked by hand, with the same bushes picked three to four times.

Middleton’s goal is to serve an “elite” fresh market, with stores like Costco and Whole Foods carrying his blueberries, he said.

Blueberry harvest can last a month, and cherry harvest can last for about 14 days, he said. His cherries, like others in the area, were hit by frost damage, slashing the expected yield.

After those harvests are complete, Middleton and his crew will move on to the Gala, Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples. Frost also might affect those yields, but he said the blueberries seemed to come through the cold — which dropped as low as 23 degrees — just fine.

Increasing yields from fruit trees could be a part of why the value of the state’s organic crops continue to grow, said David Granatstein, a sustainable agriculture specialist at WSU’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Granatstein completed the WSU study with Elizabeth Kirby, a sustainable agriculture research associate.

It’s also possible that some fruit that was sold as conventional because of better prices is now being sold as organic, Granatstein said.

Sales and prices of organic crops continue to increase, suggesting that the market is not saturated, he said.

Grant County continues to lead the state in organic production with about 22,000 acres and a 2011 crop value of $87.8 million, up about 37 percent from the year before.

Benton County has the second most acreage, at about 7,800 in 2012, down about 10 percent from the year before. The 2011 crop value was about $25.8 million, up 17 percent from the previous year.

Franklin County had an estimated 3,200 acres in 2012, a 2 percent drop. Yet value climbed by nearly 37 percent to $18 million.

Organic acres and sales for other area counties were:

* Adams County, relatively unchanged at about 2,500 organic acres in 2012, with value growing by nearly 37 percent to more than $6 million in 2011.

* Walla Walla County, down by 4 percent to about 2,200 acres in 2012, with value up 10 percent to $22 million.

* Yakima County, up 5 percent at about 5,700 acres in 2012, with value increasing 23 percent to $23.4 million in 2011.

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