home Audience 12 A unique blueberry. Beneficial properties of blueberries and contraindications

A unique blueberry. Beneficial properties of blueberries and contraindications

Blueberry is a small shrub up to 1 meter high with gray smooth curved branches.

Leaves are up to 3 cm long. Flowers are small, five-toothed, white or pinkish. The fruits are blue with a bluish coating, juicy edible berries up to 1.2 cm long.

Sometimes blueberries are called drunkards or gonobobels because they supposedly intoxicate and drive away pain in the head. But in fact, the culprit of these phenomena is wild rosemary, which often grows next to blueberries.

The berries are collected for consumption raw and processed. They make jam and are also used to make wine.

Calorie content of blueberries

A dietary and low-calorie product, 100 g of which contains 39 kcal. Blueberries are indicated for people who are obese.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Beneficial properties of blueberries

Blueberries are a source of vitamins and a valuable medicinal plant. It is difficult to collect without damaging it, and even more difficult to preserve. In the North, blueberries are traditionally stored in birch bark boxes, filled with fish oil and buried in moss. Basically, blueberries are eaten fresh, because it is in fresh berries that the concentration of nutrients is the highest.

Blueberries have a number of unique properties: they protect against the effects of radioactive radiation, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, normalize heart function, support the health of the intestines and pancreas, and slow down the aging of nerve cells, and therefore the brain. In addition, blueberries have antiscorbutic, choleretic, antisclerotic, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anti-inflammatory effects. Effective for atherosclerosis, hypertension, capillary toxicosis, rheumatism, sore throat and other diseases associated with insufficiency of blood capillaries.

Blueberries are recommended for diabetics, as they promote tissue repair, enhance the effect of medications that lower blood sugar levels, and enhance metabolism. Dry blueberries are sometimes brewed as an anti-dysenteric remedy (brew 1 spoon of berries for 15 minutes in a glass of boiling water).

Blueberry leaves also contain useful substances, but in slightly smaller quantities. In folk medicine, a decoction of branches with leaves is drunk for heart disease, and a decoction of the leaves is used as a mild laxative.

When consumed regularly, berries relieve eye strain and help restore vision.

Blueberry juice is given for fever, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and also to enhance the secretion of gastric juice. Blueberries are recommended for people working in hazardous conditions, since pectin substances are able to bind and remove radioactive metals from the body.

It has been discovered that blueberries contain a significant amount of phyllohioneine (vitamin K1), which takes part in the blood coagulation system. And also high blueberries are useful especially for older people for maintaining (activating) vitality.

There is evidence that blueberries prevent the formation of cancer cells because they contain a large amount of highly active antioxidants.

Store berries at temperatures from 0 to +4°C for up to 2 weeks; at -15°C and below - throughout the year. It is important to tightly close containers with berries to protect against foreign odors.

Blueberries are low in calories (61 cal/100g wet weight) and are a dietary product.

Blueberries consist of:

88% water;
8% sugar;
1% proteins;
1.6% organic acids (benzoic, citric, malic, oxalic, acetic);
1.2% fiber;
0.5% tanning, coloring and pectin substances (it is these substances that remove heavy radioactive elements - strontium and cobalt).

Contains: carotene, provitamin A, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, all B vitamins, vitamins K, P and PP (which ensures the elasticity of skin capillaries and reduces the risk of varicose veins). Blueberries contain 6 essential amino acids. The small (compared to other berries) iron content in blueberries is compensated by its almost complete digestibility.

Dangerous properties of blueberries

It is important to consume blueberries in moderation, as they are high in antioxidants, which in large quantities can impair muscle function by preventing oxygen from reaching the muscles.

Even in ancient times, the healing properties of blueberries were actively used among the peoples of the northern forests. The berry is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to which it effectively strengthens the human immune system and allows you to maintain the health of the body throughout the winter season.

Where do blueberries grow?

Blueberries are found in the Northern Hemisphere. Since the berry is an unpretentious plant, it grows well in all regions of temperate and cold climates. It can be seen in the tundra, forests, mountains and swamps. She is not afraid of rocky terrain or dry soil. The lifespan of a small shrub can reach 90 years.

Blueberries grow in the Arctic, Altai, Far East, Caucasus, Siberia, Urals, as well as in North America, Iceland, etc.

Chemical composition of blueberries

The largest amount of useful elements is contained in the skin of the berry.

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K, RR, N.

Minerals: iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, sodium, phosphorus.

Organic acids: benzoin, lemon, vinegar, oxalic, apple.

The value of blueberries lies in the fact that they contain all the essential amino acids and 12 non-essential ones. In terms of their content, it is ahead of many berries. In addition, the berry contains fiber, essential oils, tannins, flavonoids, antioxidants and dietary fiber (15% of the daily value).

Calorie content of blueberries - 40 kcal per 100 g.

Daily intake of blueberries: 150 g for adults, 80 g for children.

Health Benefits and Health Benefits of Blueberries

has antimicrobial and antipyretic properties,
strengthens the immune system,
improves vision,
relieves eye strain,
relieves constipation,
improves digestion,
normalizes metabolism,
cancer prevention,
removes radioactive metals,
helps with cystitis,
normalizes the functioning of the pancreas,
reduces swelling,
lowers blood sugar levels,
strengthens the heart and blood vessel walls,
promotes hematopoiesis,
lowers the level of bad cholesterol,
improves the functioning of the nervous system,
prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease,
strengthens memory,
stimulates brain function,
relieves dark circles under the eyes,
slows down the aging process,
improves the condition of skin and hair,
accelerates the healing of wounds and pustules.

To get all the beneficial vitamins and minerals from the berry, as well as to get rid of many ailments and improve health, you need to eat it exclusively fresh.

Beneficial properties of blueberries for women

Blue berries are very beneficial for the female body. It normalizes the menstrual cycle and strengthens the functioning of the endocrine glands.

Blueberries improve the appearance of the skin, eliminate skin rashes and dark circles under the eyes, which often arise due to problems with the functioning of the pancreas. The plant removes bile and relieves swelling.

Pregnant women can eat blueberries, but in small quantities. Since it contains calcium, its consumption will contribute to the proper development of the bones of the unborn baby. In addition, it will allow a woman to maintain healthy hair and nails after childbirth.

Medicinal properties of blueberry leaves

The leaves of this plant also have medicinal properties. They are identical in composition to fruits, but the concentration of nutrients is slightly lower. As a rule, decoctions are prepared from them to treat colds, vitamin deficiency and diseases of the urinary system. In addition, the leaves are famous for their laxative effect, so they are used to combat constipation.

For drying, leaves should be collected when blueberries are in bloom.

The medicinal drink is prepared simply: 1 tsp. crushed dried leaves pour 1 glass of warm water. Let it brew for 10 minutes and then strain.

Contraindications and harm of blueberries

individual intolerance,
lactation,
stomach ulcer.

Despite all the benefits of blue berries, you should not abuse them, otherwise digestion will worsen: prolonged diarrhea, bloating and increased gas formation will appear. But to get such “consequences” you should try harder. This effect appears if you eat about 1 kg of the product.

You should not mix blueberries with - this mixture is very toxic to the human body, and therefore unpleasant symptoms of poisoning may appear (nausea, vomiting, headache).

In addition, the real benefits come from berries collected only in ecologically clean areas. The fact is that blueberries absorb all harmful substances from the soil well.

When and how to pick blueberries

Blue berries ripen at the end of July - beginning of August, so this is the best time to collect them. The work is quite labor-intensive.

It is best to pick berries by hand rather than using special tools (hand harvesters). They damage bushes, thereby reducing the amount of harvest in subsequent years. Agree that it is better to be patient, but rejoice and enjoy the berries every summer.

How to store blueberries at home

Fresh berries are stored for 7-12 days in the refrigerator. It is recommended to use glass or wooden containers to store it.

The fruits can also be dried. Spread the berries on a flat surface (tray) in a thin layer, then leave them in the sun for 1 day. During this time they dry out. The next day, move them to a dark, cool, well-ventilated area. Don't forget to turn the blueberries over to dry evenly. Dried berries acquire a dark color, they do not stick to your hands or to each other. Shelf life 9-12 months.

Berries can also be frozen. If frozen, they will last for about a year.

During the season of this berry, be sure to get your fill of it. It works wonders: it improves health, tones the body and energizes it.

Video: beneficial properties of blueberries

A perennial plant that lives up to a hundred years and bears large, oblong (up to one and a half centimeters in diameter) fruits is blueberry. The pulp of the berries of this close relative of blueberries has a watery consistency and a greenish tint. Blueberries grow in dry areas well lit by the sun. It can be found in the tundra and central Russia, in the Caucasus, on poor acidic soils and in cedar forests, as well as in wetlands.

What are the benefits of blueberries? This amazing berry contains substances that are valuable for the functioning of the human body. It contains a lot of vitamins - A, PP, B1 and B2, as well as C. Therefore, blueberries are useful for women during pregnancy. It makes an invaluable contribution to the normal development of the child's body.

What else is blueberry good for? Its berries contain almost ninety percent water, eight percent sugar, two percent organic acids and proteins. Pectin and tannins are found in blueberries. Thanks to these active components, the valuable berry is used to remove cobalt and strontium, which are radioactive elements, from the body.

How are blueberries beneficial for the human skeletal system? The berry contains vitamin K. It strengthens teeth and bones. In addition, blueberries improve blood circulation in the human body and have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland.

It is also recommended to consume blueberries for problems with the organs of vision. It is necessary to include its fruits in the menu for those who decide to get rid of extra pounds. Blueberries have low calorie content and excellent ability to break down and burn fat.

In the twenties of the last century, the first garden varieties of plants were brought from Europe. Currently, they are often planted in summer cottages. The beneficial properties of which are similar to those growing in nature, and is used in cooking. Jam, jelly and compotes are made from it. The tasty berry is great for mousses and jams. Blueberries also become the basis for making various wines, kvass and desserts. The fruits of this valuable berry are used in baked goods as a filling.

Blueberry juice, which has a higher content of nutrients than apple, pomegranate and grape juice, is beneficial for children and adults. All products made from the fruits of this valuable plant bring enormous benefits to human health. You can also include fresh berries in the menu. They supply the body with many microelements and vitamins.

Nature has given humanity a priceless gift in the form of wonderful berries called blueberries. These fruits are an inexhaustible source of vitamins, nutrients and minerals. The blue berries grow on a small shrub of the heather family.

The natural habitat of blueberries is swampy forests, tundra, and mountains. It grows in the European part of Russia, Ukraine, the Urals, Siberia, the Far East and the Caucasus.

This amazing plant thrives both in dry mountain areas and in damp soil. It grows better in places where there is free access to sunlight. Blueberries are not susceptible to frost.

The bush can live and bear fruit for about 90 years. Fruiting of the bush under natural conditions begins at the age of 12 – 17 years. From one bush you can collect up to 200 grams of berries. The blueberry harvest begins at the end of June - at the beginning of July.

Until recently, blueberries could only be found in their natural habitat. But scientists and breeders have managed to create many varieties of garden berries. A distinctive feature is that it has taller bushes and voluminous berries than the forest variety.

Also, the garden berry is much more tender than the forest berry. It must be handled very carefully so as not to wrinkle it. After collecting, it is advisable to quickly process it, so as not to crush it, into jam, jelly, juice or compote.

Benefits of berries

The peculiarity of blueberries lies in its unique composition.

Its structure includes many vitamins that are important for normal human life: vitamin A, B1, B2, PP, K, P, ascorbic acid.

It also contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and the following organic acids: acetic, malic, citric, oxalic, tannins and pectins.

Anthocyanins are considered to be of particular importance in blue berries., which are much more abundant in blueberries than in blueberries. Thanks to these substances, blueberries are endowed with anti-cancer and anti-aging properties.

diabetes, inflammation of the gallbladder, irritation of the colon mucosa;
enterocolitis, diabetes, gastric catarrh;
arthritis, pyelitis, atherosclerosis;
high blood pressure, fever;
worms;
scrofula in children.

In order for blueberries not to lose their beneficial properties, they must be harvested correctly or pay attention to the quality of the product when purchasing at the market. Do not forget that this berry is very delicate and requires careful handling.

Nutritional value and calorie content

100 grams of raw berries contain about 40 kcal, and this is a reason to claim that blueberries are a low-calorie dietary product.

People suffering from biliary tract diseases should not eat berries.

Methods of using traditional medicine

Blueberries are widely used in cooking. Delicious wine, tinctures, jelly, jam, and marshmallows are made from it. It is added to milkshakes and other dishes.

We also invite you to watch an interesting video on the topic of the article:

Among the many berries that grow on our land, one can note blueberries; its beneficial qualities have been known to people since ancient times; in addition, it will not go well in everyone’s mouth, but first things first. So, we are talking about a plant like blueberry, we are considering its beneficial properties and contraindications. Previously, it could only be found in forest areas, but now they have learned to grow it in garden conditions. It is dark in color with a bluish tint, and the taste is quite juicy and tender.

About the composition of blueberries

The beneficial properties of blueberries are due to their valuable composition. Despite the fact that almost 90 percent of the berries are water, there is also a place for other valuable components, for example, among organic acids one can note the presence of malic, citric, nicotinic, acetic, oxalic, in addition there is fiber, pectins, and flavonoids.

Mineral salts include the presence of magnesium, iron, calcium and phosphorus. Blueberries are not deprived of vitamins B, PP, A, K and P, and this berry also contains a considerable amount of ascorbic acid. As you know, all these substances are very important for the full functioning of our body.

Thanks to this composition, blueberries have beneficial properties; the following therapeutic effects on the human body can be listed: antibacterial, diuretic, antisclerotic, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, cardiotonic.

About the juice

You can make healthy juice from blueberries; it is worth saying that this drink is recognized throughout the world as almost the most valuable, since it contains many components that are necessary for every person.

If we compare this juice with grape or pomegranate juice, then blueberries are the leader in terms of beneficial properties, in contrast to these berries. If you drink a third of a glass of this natural drink daily, in this case, you can saturate your body with an average daily dose of vitamins.

Applications of blueberries

Due to the beneficial properties of blueberries, it is commonly used as a medicinal berry; for example, it is recommended to be used for diseases of the cardiovascular system, indigestion, and also for high blood sugar levels, since it has a positive effect on the functioning of the pancreas.

It is very useful to eat blueberries for those who experience problems with vision; when eating blueberries, its sharpness increases and intraocular pressure decreases, therefore, these fruits should be administered to people suffering from glaucoma, as well as myopia.

Vitamin K present in fruits takes part in the biochemical process of blood clotting; group P and PP reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. In addition, berries can have a protective effect on our body from exposure to radioactive radiation.

The peoples of the northern regions cannot imagine their life without the presence of these healthy fruits in their diet; they eat blueberries in fairly large quantities in order to compensate for the lack of minerals and vitamins in their bodies.

Blueberries include highly active antioxidants that can inactivate free radicals to prevent the development of cancer. Accordingly, as a cancer prevention, these berries are simply irreplaceable in the diet of those categories of people who are at risk for this disease.

In addition, blueberries are considered a dietary berry, and this is explained by the fact that its energy value per hundred grams is only 37 kilocalories, which is very little. Therefore, all those who want to lose some extra pounds and bring their weight closer to their ideal weight should include these tasty and healthy fruits in their menu.

It is better to eat freshly picked blueberries immediately, since in this form they contain the maximum of useful substances, but you can also freeze them for the winter, dry the fruits, then they can be added to tea or compote, and also made into a filling for pies, aromatic jellies and mousses.

It is worth saying that not only the berries of this plant are useful, but also the leaves, which can also be brewed both fresh and dry, and drink aromatic and vitamin-rich tea throughout the winter, replenishing your body with vitamins.

Decoction recipe

You can prepare a medicinal decoction that will help cope with fever. To do this, you will need two tablespoons of the fruits of this plant, pour 200 milliliters of boiling water over them, and place the container in a water bath over low heat.

Contraindications

There are no specific contraindications to the use of this berry, but, in fact, as with any other food product, moderation should be exercised, otherwise overeating can lead to dyspeptic symptoms, which are characterized by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should use this product with caution, as it can cause allergic reactions not only in the mother, but also in the baby. If you have biliary dyskinesia, it should also be minimized in your diet.

Conclusion

Consume healthy blueberries in moderation, then they will have only a positive effect on the body.