Contents
- What honeysuckle tastes
- The chemical composition of honeysuckle
- What is useful honeysuckle berry for a person
- Medicinal properties of honeysuckle leaves
- Medicinal properties of honeysuckle flowers
- At what age can honeysuckle be given to children
- What helps honeysuckle
- Who can not honeysuckle
- What honeysuckle is more useful
- Application of honeysuckle
- Conclusion
It is advisable to study the beneficial properties of honeysuckle and contraindications before it is eaten. The berry is extremely beneficial for human health, but under certain circumstances it can be harmful. Due to the vitamin composition, it is used not only for culinary, but also for medicinal purposes.
What honeysuckle tastes
Honeysuckle is the fruit of a shrub plant. The berry has an elongated shape and a rich purple color. In appearance, it resembles a blueberry. The plant can be found in areas with a temperate continental climate. In Our Country, the berry is found in the forests of Eastern Siberia, Altai, the Far East and the Urals. The shrub bears fruit all year round. Honeysuckle berries have a sweet and sour taste with slight bitterness. Taste qualities depend on the variety of the product and the place of growth.
The chemical composition of honeysuckle
Honeysuckle berries are not only a delicious delicacy, but also an effective remedy. The health benefits of honeysuckle are due to the rich chemical composition. It contains both trace elements and vitamins. The most significant components include:
- vitamins of groups A, C and B;
- micro and macro elements;
- leucoanthocyanins;
- tannins and pectin;
- organic compounds;
- essential oils.
The content of organic acids allows honeysuckle to control peristalsis, and improve the process of peripheral circulation. In addition, they take part in the production of hormones and have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is important in the treatment of serious diseases. Anthocyanins give the fruit its bright color. They prevent the appearance of abnormal cells in the body and have an antioxidant effect.
Tannins produce an antifungal and antibacterial effect. Thanks to this, the berry can be used instead of antibiotics. For example, in the case when taking potent medications is contraindicated for some reason. Flavonoids, in turn, strengthen the vascular walls and prevent the deposition of cholesterol plaques in their cavity. This avoids the development of atherosclerosis.
According to the content of ascorbic acid, honeysuckle can compete with citrus fruits and strawberries. It is a powerful natural stimulant of the immune system. Thanks to tannins and pectin, the berry ensures the proper functioning of the digestive system. Calorie content is 30 kcal. The ratio of BJU per 100 g of product is as follows:
- proteins – 0 g;
- fats – 0 g;
- carbohydrates – 8,5
What vitamins are in the honeysuckle berry
The main role in the composition of honeysuckle belongs to ascorbic acid. Experts say that there is much more of it in a berry than in an orange. Ascorbic acid helps strengthen blood vessels and ensure the implementation of all biological processes in the body. Of no small importance are folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin A. Each of these substances has its own task. Vitamin A synthesizes hormones and normalizes visual functions. The presence of folic acid makes the berry an indispensable product for pregnant women.
Micro- and macro elements
Honeysuckle fruits are of particular value, the ripening period of which fell in mid-May. They are rich in micro and macro elements. Due to the content of selenium, which is rarely found in wildlife, the berries have a rejuvenating effect. Micronutrients also include:
- zinc;
- iodine;
- barium;
- strontium;
- copper.
Honeysuckle also contains a considerable amount of macronutrients:
- sodium;
- silicon;
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- calcium;
- magnesium.
What is useful honeysuckle berry for a person
It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of berries for the human body. It is considered a real storehouse of vitamins. Regular consumption of berries perfectly tones the body and makes it less vulnerable to colds and viral diseases. Due to the presence of organic acids in the composition, honeysuckle has an anti-sclerotic effect. In addition, it is often used to combat diseases of the digestive system. Not only berries, but also leaves, bark and flowers of the plant have significant benefits. The most pronounced beneficial properties of the product include:
- excretion of radionuclides, salts of heavy metals from the body;
- general strengthening effect on the body;
- stabilization of blood pressure;
- normalization of liver cells;
- relief of inflammatory processes;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- elimination of puffiness;
- antiseptic effect on the body;
- prevention of fragility of small blood vessels;
- strengthening the immune system.
What is useful honeysuckle for women
For the fair sex, honeysuckle is one of the means of preserving and prolonging youth. The vitamins included in its composition are directly involved in many important life processes. A positive effect on the skin condition is achieved due to the content of vitamin A. It removes toxins and improves skin elasticity. Useful properties of honeysuckle for women are as follows:
- regulation of the thyroid gland;
- improving the condition of hair, nails and skin;
- normalization of the nervous system;
- stabilization of metabolism;
- prolongation of youth;
- treatment and prevention of avitaminosis;
- positive effect on the reproductive system.
Honeysuckle must be present in the diet of a woman who watches her figure. Berry can be used instead of high-calorie desserts. It is often added to berry and fruit smoothies and jellies. In addition, when taken in moderation, honeysuckle promotes weight loss by stimulating metabolism.
For women, it is important to take into account not only the beneficial properties of honeysuckle, but also contraindications. With excessive use, the berry can provoke an allergic reaction and indigestion.
What is useful honeysuckle for the body of a man
Men need a regular intake of vitamins and minerals no less than the fair sex. Therefore, honeysuckle must be present in their diet. For men, not only useful properties are desirable for acquaintance, but also contraindications. The beneficial effect on the male body is as follows:
- participation in the synthesis of sex hormones;
- strengthening hair;
- increased immune defense;
- increase in physical strength and endurance;
- normalization of seminal fluid production;
- help in the digestion of heavy meals.
Useful properties of honeysuckle for children
The presence of honeysuckle in the diet of a child allows you to control the supply of nutrients in the body. It is especially important to consume the berry in spring and autumn, when the immune system is most vulnerable to viruses and infections. Honeysuckle helps to improve the memory and physical endurance of the child. If you eat it on a regular basis, you can reduce the risk of developing infectious and viral diseases. The beneficial properties of berries for children also include:
- increase in hemoglobin level;
- antipyretic action;
- bactericidal effect;
- stabilization of the emotional state.
Medicinal properties of honeysuckle leaves
In alternative medicine, honeysuckle leaves are used no less than berries. Based on them, herbal tea is prepared, which saves from many ailments. The leaves are usually used dried. The drying process is carried out in the open air for 10-14 days. It is advisable to harvest honeysuckle leaves in the first half of summer. The advantages of pre-prepared raw materials include the possibility of use at any time of the year. The most useful components of the leaves are:
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- anthocyanins;
- vitamin C;
- organic acids.
Remedies prepared from the leaves of the shrub effectively cope with burns and skin diseases. They are also used for gargling and preparing lotions for the eyes. The internal intake of a medicinal drink eliminates swelling, copes with diarrhea and regulates the metabolism in the body. It is sometimes used in the treatment of cystitis and pyelonephritis. No less effective is observed in relation to endocrine diseases. The principle of taking a decoction based on berry leaves is set individually.
Medicinal properties of honeysuckle flowers
The flowering period of honeysuckle falls on the first half of May. A unique feature of the shrub is the arrangement of the fruits. They affect only the lower part of the plant. None at the top.
Honeysuckle flowers are valued for their ability to eliminate the inflammatory process in the body. They are often used to treat diseases of the kidneys and bladder. Flower extract in a short time lowers cholesterol and prevents the penetration of the virus into the body. In combination with the stems, the flowers effectively cope with acute rheumatoid arthritis.
At what age can honeysuckle be given to children
It is better not to give honeysuckle to children of preschool age. It contains glycosides, which are undesirable for use during this period. It is strictly forbidden to give berries to children under one and a half years old. In other cases, an individual approach is needed, which involves consulting a specialist.
What helps honeysuckle
The beneficial properties of honeysuckle make it an indispensable tool in the fight against various ailments. Most often, the berry is used in conjunction with drugs. Combination therapy increases the chances of a favorable outcome of treatment. Practice shows that the berry copes well with the following diseases:
- atherosclerosis;
- anemia;
- liver diseases;
- changes in blood pressure;
- toxic poisoning of the body;
- violation of visual function;
- peptic ulcer;
- pathologies of the respiratory organs.
Honeysuckle helps support the body during the recovery period after surgery. It is especially useful for people of mature age, children, women in preparation for pregnancy. In addition, it is recommended for people with immunodeficiency. The berry helps to maintain the supply of nutrients at the proper level, thereby increasing the body’s resistance to various diseases.
Who can not honeysuckle
Not only the benefits of honeysuckle are obligatory for acquaintance, but also its harm to the body. All contraindications of the berry should be taken into account. These include the following:
- increased acidity of the stomach;
- allergic reaction;
- age under 1,5 years;
- hypotension.
People suffering from a chronic disease of the digestive system should be especially careful when eating berries. The acids that make up its composition can provoke an exacerbation of ailments. It is also not recommended to abuse honeysuckle for pregnant women, as the risk of encountering side symptoms is too high.
Eating the product without taking into account contraindications can lead to side effects. With an allergic reaction, a skin rash and itching appear. In advanced cases, angioedema may develop. Then you need to give up the berries and consult a doctor. In some cases, you may need to take antihistamines. Side effects also include fever, difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain.
What honeysuckle is more useful
There are over 190 varieties of honeysuckle. The fruits of far from all shrubs are considered edible. The possibility of eating can be judged by the appearance of the berries. They should have a rich purple color and an oblong shape. There may be a slight bluish coating on top. More useful properties are found in fresh berries. Therefore, experts recommend eating it. But even under the influence of heat treatment, it is able to maintain a unique composition for a long time. In winter, you can eat jam and compotes, as well as frozen berries.
Application of honeysuckle
First of all, honeysuckle is valued for its unique taste. In cooking, it is used to make berry jelly, compote, pastries and jams. Before eating, honeysuckle is thoroughly washed and sorted out. Since it has a thin skin, this should be done with caution. Damaged and spoiled berries should be discarded.
The range of applications in the field of alternative medicine depends on which part of the plant is in question. Decoctions based on leaves and flowers are actively used to treat digestive disorders, in particular to combat diarrhea. The fruits of the shrub are often prescribed to people prone to nosebleeds, as they can affect the pressure and properties of the blood. In case of violation of the digestive function, the berry contributes to the establishment of the secretory work of the stomach. It improves the digestion process.
A decoction based on the fruits, leaves or flowers of a shrub can also be used for prophylactic purposes. By strengthening the immune system, it reduces the likelihood of developing colds and flu. In addition, the use of fruits helps to endure the period of exacerbation of chronic diseases without complications.
Honeysuckle juice is often used externally. It helps to cope with eczema, deep ulcerative lesions, lichen and psoriasis. Inside it is taken with a pronounced immunodeficiency and digestive problems. Doctors recommend drinking 1 tbsp. juice to prevent colds during its activation.
A decoction of honeysuckle leaves is also widely used in cosmetology. To achieve a relaxing effect and improve the condition of the skin of the body, it is added to baths. To get rid of acne, burns and various rashes, the skin of the face is wiped with berry juice. Honeysuckle essential oil is often used to scent rooms and ease breathing in chronic coughs.
Conclusion
Useful properties of honeysuckle and contraindications help to understand that the principle of the effect of the product depends on how and under what conditions it is used. With regular and moderate use, the berry has a powerful immunostimulating effect on the body. But it is extremely important to exclude the possibility of an allergic reaction.