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Bilberry is known all over the world for its valuable healing properties. It protects the eyesight, strengthens the heart, reduces the risk of cancer and even cleanses the body of toxins. It comes, as the name suggests, from North America, but it can also be successfully grown in Poland. What exactly are the benefits of blueberries?
Nutritional values
Blueberry is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E and PP, as well as potassium, zinc, selenium, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron and an extremely large amount of antioxidants. Bilberry is a fruit with a high concentration of nutrients and low calories, which is why it is an ideal dietary product. Bilberry protects against cancer. It is the high content of antioxidants and anthocyanins that makes blueberry helpful in the fight against cancer. Elganic acid found in blueberries reduces the risk of gastrointestinal, liver and lung cancers. It also contains folic acid, which prevents the development of uterine cancer. Phytoestrogens inhibit the development of the so-called hormone-dependent cancers, i.e. thyroid and breast cancers.
It improves eyesight
Bilberry has a positive effect on improving eyesight. Consuming this fruit is especially recommended for pilots, drivers and people who spend long hours in front of a computer monitor or TV. Anthocyanins (a component of blueberry) have a regenerative effect, and vitamin A as an antioxidant fights free radicals that impair vision. Bilberry additionally strengthens the photoreceptors of the eyes, sharpening vision at dusk. Blueberry compresses applied to the eyes improve microcirculation in the eyeball and help in blood supply to the iris. Bilberry is also very helpful in the treatment of retinal diseases and cataracts.
It improves the work of the digestive tract
Blueberry fruits contain valuable antidiarrheal compounds, and even compounds that destroy very harmful strains of E. Coli, which are sometimes resistant to drugs. Bilberry supports the work of the intestines and the entire digestive tract. The tannins contained in it strengthen the intestinal mucosa, the fiber takes an active part in removing harmful substances from the body.
He fights heart disease
Fiber has yet another function. Together with phytoestrogen, it lowers the level of bad cholesterol and increases the level of the good one. Both components slow down the development of atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
It delays the aging process
The already mentioned anthocyanins have a positive effect on the skin. They fight free radicals, which directly inhibit the appearance of wrinkles. People who regularly consume blueberries can boast of a better appearance of their skin, as well as better physical condition, memory and concentration.
How to consume them?
Blueberry is resistant to low temperatures, does not lose its nutritional value, so it can be successfully stored in the freezer. However, it tastes best raw as a fresh fruit. Dried blueberries retain only less than 80% of their nutrients. nutrients, and subjected to e.g. cooking, they lose most of their valuable medicinal values. The health-promoting effect of blueberry is therefore invaluable. Its effectiveness in the prevention of many diseases is proven by specialists.