The benefits and harms of blueberries

The benefits and harms of blueberries, its effect on the human body were studied by scientists from different countries. Everyone agreed that the berry is incredibly healthy in a reasonable amount. The properties of fruits and their effect on the human body will be discussed in the article.

Where do blueberries grow

A low blueberry bush with purple fruits grows almost throughout the northern hemisphere. The unpretentious culture has adapted to rocky soils, dry terrain, swamps, forests and even tundra.

The geography of blueberry growing areas is large:

• Altai region;
• Caucasus;
• Ural region;
• Far East;
• Siberia;
• North America;
• Spain and others

The chemical composition and calorie content of blueberries

The popularity of the use of fruits in traditional medicine, cosmetology, and cooking is due to the valuable composition. The peculiarity of the berry lies in the ability to retain vitamins and trace elements useful for the body even after heat treatment.

100 g of fruit contains:

• 20 mg of ascorbic acid;
• 0,02 mg riboflavin;
• 0,01 mg thiamine;
• 0,4 mg of vitamin E and nicotinic acid;
• 0,3 mg of niacin.

Among other things, the berries are enriched with the following trace elements:

• magnesium;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• sodium.

The calorie content of fresh blueberries meets the requirements of all diets. In 100 g of berries, there are only 39 kcal, as well as:

• 0,5 g fat;
• 1 g protein;
• 6,6 g carbohydrates;
• 2,5 g dietary fiber;
• 87,7 g of water.

What is useful blueberries for the body

The beneficial properties of berries are due to the impact on the human body of valuable amino acids, a large amount of pectin, polyphenols. The minerals that make up the fruit help strengthen the immune system, which increases the body’s resistance to viruses and infections.

For women

Useful properties of blueberries were appreciated not only by physicians, but also by cosmetologists. The fruits contain substances that restore the strength of collagen fibers. Berry-based masks whiten the skin, remove toxins and excess water from the upper layers of the epidermis, which effectively eliminates puffiness problems.

Among other useful properties of fruits for the female body:

• stabilization of the psycho-emotional background, the nervous system;
• normalization of the menstrual cycle;
• strengthening the work of the endocrine glands;
• stimulation of metabolic processes in the body.

The benefits of blueberries for the body are explained by the content of substances important for female organs in the composition of fruits: folic acid, antioxidants, iron, phosphorus, etc.

For men

It is worth including blueberries in the diet for men. Useful, nutritious multivitamins and acids normalize the functioning of the genitourinary organs, increase potency, and support sexual function. The berry is an excellent remedy for prostatitis, is used to prevent diseases of the genitourinary tract, effectively strengthens the protective functions of the body.

Regular consumption of blueberries fills the male body with energy, improves eyesight. Means based on a healing fruit help stabilize the nervous system, get rid of a depressive mood. The content of rutin and esculin in the pulp of the fetus helps to cleanse the vessels and increase their elasticity.

At what age can blueberries be given to children

If the child’s diet is replenished with a small amount of berries, it will be superfluous to worry about a cold. Blueberry fruits contain most of the trace elements and vitamins necessary for a growing organism. Nutrients stimulate brain activity, strengthen tooth enamel, protect the retina from the stress given by reading books or working on a computer.

According to pediatricians, it is better to give berries to children from 2-3 years old and always in small portions. This precaution is due to the high risk of allergies and effects on the digestive system. In babies, it is not formed thoroughly, so diarrhea, intestinal dysbacteriosis and other problems may occur.

Is it possible for pregnant women to have blueberries

The period of bearing a child is not a contraindication to the use of blueberries. But the number of berries should be limited due to the fact that they can cause headaches, nausea, or an allergic reaction.

The benefits of blueberries for the health of pregnant women are truly invaluable:

• beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system;
• helps to reduce blood pressure;
• prevents the development of varicose veins;
• cleansing the body of heavy metals and toxins;
• relaxation of the ciliary muscle, which relieves eye strain.

Among other things, the berry enriches the body with useful trace elements necessary for the health of the expectant mother and baby.

Blueberries while breastfeeding

There are discussions about the introduction of berries into the diet during breastfeeding. On the one hand, doctors do not advise giving children fruits before the age of 2, due to the effect of the product on the fragile digestive system. On the other hand, there are no strict prohibitions on the use of blueberries by nursing women. The restriction is set by the pediatrician, taking into account the state of health and characteristics of the baby’s body.

If a decision is made to introduce blueberries into the diet, then this should be done gradually, starting with a few berries. Each time after their use, you should monitor the behavior of the baby, the condition of the mucous membrane and skin.

Medicinal properties of blueberry leaves

Blueberry leaves are no less valuable for medicine than berries. This is due to the unique composition, which includes tannins and steroids of plant origin.

Based on the leaves of the culture, preparations are made that have the following effect:

• stabilize blood pressure;
• reduce the temperature;
• normalize bowel function;
• remove the inflammatory process;
• strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Blueberries are used for diabetes, treatment of gastritis and enteritis, prevention of colds.

The use of blueberries in folk medicine

Since ancient times, blueberries have been used for medicinal purposes by folk healers. Healing tinctures and decoctions were made on the basis of fresh or dried fruits, giving the body strength in the fight against diseases. Until now, in parallel with traditional therapy, recipes for home remedies are used that enhance the effect of pharmacological agents.

Berry Juice

With the help of the juice of freshly squeezed berries, you can quickly bring the body into tone, normalize the functioning of vital processes, and strengthen the immune system. Its regular use effectively eliminates problems from the digestive system and intestines. The drink is recommended for people who have signs of gastritis or have low acidity. The unique properties of berries help to reproduce gastric juices in a natural way.

Dried blueberry tea

In diabetes and for the prevention of the disease, tea based on dried blueberries is used. The uniqueness of the tool lies in the ability to reduce blood sugar. Tea is prepared from 20 g of dried berries and 200 ml of water, brewed using a water bath (15 minutes). You need to drink the cooled liquid.

Decoction of branches with leaves

To strengthen blood vessels and prevent varicose veins, it is recommended to take a decoction for a month, which is prepared from a twig with two leaves. They need to be poured with a glass of boiling water and left to brew for 30-40 minutes under a closed lid. Drink the remedy for three visits.

Face masks at home

Beauticians often use masks based on fresh berries in their work, blueberries are no exception. Fruits have a beneficial effect on the skin due to the following properties:

• the presence of antioxidants that rejuvenate the epidermis;
• antimicrobial effect helps eliminate imperfections such as acne and blackheads;
• the ability to remove excess water and toxins;
• enrichment of the cellular layer of the skin with nutrients;
• restoration of the structure of collagen fibers.

Blueberries can be used at home to rejuvenate the skin of the face, nourish and tone it. Based on the berry, a great many recipes for masks have been developed.

Option number 1: for moisturizing

Liquid honey, fresh berries and cottage cheese, taken in equal amounts, mix well. Apply a thick layer to cleansed skin. The action time of the components is 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice a week.

Option number 2: for skin rejuvenation

Mix a tablespoon of starch with 10 blueberries, a little lemon juice and the same amount of olive oil. With the finished composition, treat all areas of the skin of the face and décolleté (with the exception of the area around the eyes). Spread a gauze napkin on top and saturate it with the remaining agent. After 20 minutes, the mask can be washed off. The frequency of the procedure is 2 times a week.

Option number 3: for oily skin

Beat egg white into foam, add orange essential oil (5 drops), 3 drops of lemon oil, 10 crushed blueberries. Use the mask every other day for two weeks.

Option number 4: against acne

Wipe the skin of the face with a cotton pad moistened with blueberry juice. Soak a gauze napkin with berry nectar and apply to the treated area for 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure daily for 10 days.

What can be cooked from blueberries

Blueberries are also of interest to culinary specialists. An incredible amount of delicious and unusual dishes are prepared from the fruits, which are equally liked by adults and children. Among the popular:

• cottage cheese makers;
• vareniki;
• jelly;
• tartlets with berries;
• compote;
• Berry pie;
• cheesecake;
• berry pudding;
• smoothies;
• morse;
• of muffins and mn. dr.

In the cold season, it is useful to arrange a tea party with blueberry jam with family members or friends. The berry leaves a pleasant aftertaste, fills the body with energy, increases the level of serotonin – the hormone of happiness.

When to Harvest and How to Store Blueberries

Technical ripeness of blueberries falls on the period of August-September. Ripe berries retain a presentable appearance on the bush for a long time, so the harvest lasts until the very frost.

You can store blueberries in different ways, but preference should be given to the following technologies:

• freezing (pre-fruits are sorted, washed and dried);
• drying (clean berries are laid out in the dryer compartments or on a baking sheet and processed in the oven for about three hours at a temperature of 40 °);
• pouring with sugar (washed berries are poured with sugar, mixed and poured into sterilized jars).

Dry fruits are folded into linen bags and kept in a room with a low level of humidity. It is better to keep jars with “cold jam” in a cool place (refrigerator door, cellar, basement).

Harm of blueberries and contraindications

Berries are not recommended for use in the following cases:

• during breastfeeding;
• if there are allergic reactions of the body;
• with a stomach ulcer.

Do not eat a lot of blueberries at one time. In large quantities, the berry provokes a malfunction of the digestive system, resulting in: bloating, diarrhea, increased formation of gases in the intestines. In addition, the abuse of fruits provokes an increase in blood sugar levels.

You can harm the body by simultaneously taking black tea or coffee with fresh berries. Such a tandem is toxic. You can notice the consequences by the symptoms characteristic of poisoning:

• nausea
• physical weakness;
• headache;
• vomiting.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of blueberries for the human body are balanced by the amount of berries consumed. The fruits of the culture are comparable to drugs that, in reasonable doses, help to overcome various diseases.