Organic blueberries contain 50 percent more antioxidants than conventionally grown berries, according to an article published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Antioxidants protect against cell damage caused by free radicals and have been linked to the prevention of cancer, heart disease and age-related degenerative diseases.

Also, organic blueberries are 68 percent higher in phenolics and 59 percent higher in anthocyanins, the study states. Both compounds protect against free radicals.

Try this blueberry recipe, compliments of Herb Companion editor K.C. Compton, to add antioxidants to your diet.

Berries a la Loupe

1 ripe cantaloupe
1-cup blueberries and/or ripe cherries, pitted and halved
1/2 cup chopped walnut pieces
1 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
Your favorite sweetener such as turbinado sugar, honey, brown sugar or even jam
A few mint leaves (optional)

Halve the cantaloupe. Scoop out the cantaloupe seeds and slice a little piece off the underside of the rind so the cantaloupe is stable. Scoop out bite-sized chunks of the cantaloupe until you start getting into the rind (or ball out the melon if you're feeling festive). Add half the berries and half the walnuts to each half of the melon, saving back a few berries for garnish. Dollop half the yogurt on each side of cantaloupe, then sprinkle with sweetener. Garnish with mint leaves if you'd like and find a pretty place to sit for a while.

Click here for more great blueberry recipes from Natural Home magazine.