The benefits and harms of blueberries for the human body

Blueberries – these are undersized bushes of the northern forest berry, which is characterized by a sweet and sour taste. This is one of the most delicious berries, you can make many dishes from it, but it is worth noting that its fruits are also among the most useful. Therefore, blueberries are not only a delicious treat, but also a real medicinal product. The plant consists of an abundance of nutritious and useful components that have a positive effect on the human body.

Both in traditional and folk medicine, the benefits of fresh and dried berries, leaves and even shoots of this plant are invaluable. All this is due to the unique chemical composition of blueberries. But what do we not know about this product? Is the plant so useful and absolutely harmless to health? To answer this question, it is worthwhile to learn more about the benefits and dangers of blueberries, about when it can be taken, and in which cases you should refrain from using it.

The benefits of blueberries

“Rejuvenating” berry is a real storehouse of nutritious and indispensable components for a full-fledged human life, which have a positive effect on many organs and systems of our body.

• Blueberries have antioxidant properties… At the cellular level, the beneficial substances of the plant contribute to the prevention and prevention of malignant tumors, destroying the foci of their occurrence. Blueberry antioxidants are known as anthocyanins, which in sufficient quantities in the body can prevent cancer. There are more such substances in these berries than in apples, red cabbage and dark grapes;
• Prevents diseases of the visual organs and improves visual acuity… Regular intake of blueberries, rich in carotenoids, stimulates the renewal of retinal tissue and stimulates the ocular circulation, which improves the adaptation of the eyes in dark conditions, increases the field of vision and relieves eye muscle fatigue. These properties make it possible to use blueberries for night blindness. Also, with the help of blueberries, conjunctivitis, myopia of various degrees, and even retinal detachment are treated. It is worth noting that the fruits of the plant help only in the complex treatment of eye diseases;
• Has cleansing properties and improves metabolism… The use of blueberries provides metabolic processes thanks to pantothenic acid, and the pectins, which are also contained in this plant, improve the cleaning of the intestines from metal salts and toxins (free radicals) that destroy the body and accelerate the aging process;
• Regular consumption of blueberries contributes to the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases… With the help of the “rejuvenating” berry, you can get rid of the symptoms of stomach diseases and colitis. Dried blueberries are very good for diarrhea, while fresh ones for constipation, on the contrary. Such properties of the plant are caused by the disinfecting effect of its components on the stomach. Blueberries improve the intestinal microflora and prevent the occurrence of rotting processes inside this organ;
• Low in calories… At the same time, just a few dozen calories of this berry have everything that our body needs: proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins with minerals, and fiber. Those wishing to lose weight should pay attention to blueberries;
• Effective in inflammatory processes… Due to these properties, blueberries are recommended for rheumatism, as well as liver and gallbladder diseases. Also, the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect allows the use of blueberries as a remedy for headaches, painful symptoms of colds and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract;
• Prevents complications of diabetes… The fruits and leaves of wild berries with the help of the glycoside myrtillin help to lower blood sugar and normalize the functioning of the pancreas, which is the main organ that prevents the development of diabetes mellitus;
• Makes the treatment of colds and infectious diseases more effective… Blueberry is a well-known and, importantly, natural antibiotic and antiseptic that is very good in treating throat and cough. In such cases, use a decoction of the leaves of the berries or the berries themselves;
• Promotes the prevention and treatment of diseases of the genitourinary tract… Since ancient times, traditional healers have used blueberries to normalize the menstrual cycle, as well as get rid of kidney and bladder problems. Today, there are many blueberry preparations available to treat these diseases;
• Used as a universal prophylactic drug… The rich chemical composition of blueberries has made it possible for scientists to find widespread use in medicine for them. So, on its basis, drugs are made to strengthen the immune system, prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system, including the formation of thrombosis, increased blood clotting and myocardial infarction, as well as to normalize the work of all organs;
• Improves skin condition… Cosmetic preparations containing blueberries moisturize the skin and relieve various inflammations and damage to the skin, such as eczema, burns, etc.;
• Has a powerful bactericidal effect… Drinking berry juice helps prevent the multiplication of pathogens of dysentery and typhoid fever. Also, blueberries are effective against heartburn and gastritis, characterized by low acidity;
• An irreplaceable product during pregnancy… Pregnant women suffer from low hemoglobin, so in this case it is recommended to eat blueberries rich in iron in moderation. In addition, this berry contains calcium, which helps in the formation of the bone structure of the child. Blueberries will protect the expectant mother and her child from colds, as it strengthens the immune system;
• Compresses made from decoctions of blueberry leaves help get rid of hemorrhoids and pink lichen.

Blueberry harm

The health benefits of blueberries are obvious. But can this berry harm the human body? Maybe, but, fortunately, only not in many cases.

• Overeating Triggers Upset Stomach… If you eat more than half a kilogram of blueberries in one day, you run the risk of poisoning. Even excessive consumption of berries can cause constipation, since it has an astringent property. In addition, this berry should be eaten with extreme caution in combination with other berries, vegetables or fruits. It is best not to use it at the same time with strawberries, raspberries, strawberries and cloudberries;
• Causes allergic reactions… Allergies can be caused both from overeating and from individual plant intolerance. If you haven’t tried blueberries before, start with small servings to test your body’s response to the product. In most cases, blueberry allergy is manifested by a skin rash due to the high content of antioxidants;
• Strongly accumulates harmful substances… If blueberries are harvested in ecologically unfavorable areas, they become very dangerous for consumption, because they absorb radiation and chemicals well;
• Contains oxalic acid… Because of this, blueberries are not recommended in large quantities for people with diseases of the biliary tract, urolithiasis and pancreatitis;
• Contraindicated in people with pancreatic problems.

As you can see, the benefits of blueberries for human health are invaluable, and you should not be afraid of the harm of blueberries, since overeating or other negative factors do not end up in the hospital and do not die. And in order to avoid these unpleasant situations, it is enough just to follow the rules of its reception, adhering to contraindications and daily norms.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of blueberries

Video about the benefits and harms of blueberries