Blueberry is a medicinal plant that contains a large number of useful vitamins and minerals. Its fruits and leaves are used not only for the preparation of medicines and infusions, but also in cooking. Although the fruits of the bush are used for medicinal or prophylactic purposes, but it also has a number of contraindications that are worth paying attention to in order to prevent negative health effects. This article provides all the detailed information about the healing properties of blueberries, its features of use in everyday life.

Description

Blueberry is a representative of the heather family, it is the closest relative of blueberries. A shrub is growing, both in the forest area and on the banks of marshes, rivers and lakes. Currently, the plant is grown in gardens or summer cottages. It is unpretentious, does not require special care, easily tolerates severe frosts.

The main value of the bush is blue fruits with a bluish bloom. They have small dimensions (diameter - up to 1.2 cm), pleasant aroma and sweet taste.

Blueberries can be easily grown on a summer cottage

Vitamin Composition

Blueberries, like any other medicinal plant, contain a large number of useful vitamins and minerals that are necessary for normal functioning of the human body. The composition of the leaves and fruits of blueberries includes:

• multivitamin A;
• vitamins: PP, P, C, K and group B;
• trace elements (magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron);
• acids (citric, oxalic, malic, acetic and benzoic);
• amino acids;
• tannins;
• pectins;
• cellulose;
• substances with coloring properties;
• sugar.

Important! In blueberries, nutrients and vitamins are in greater concentration, unlike its leaves.

The healing properties of berries and leaves

The shrub is quite popular in folk medicine, it is used to treat various ailments and their prevention. Blueberries are used as:

• diuretic;
• choleretic;
• cardiotic;

In folk medicine, both berries and blueberry leaves are used.

• anti-inflammatory;
• anti-sclerotic;
• hypotensive.

Since berries contain a concentrated composition of beneficial substances (especially vitamin K), their juice is used to improve vision and prevent eye diseases.

A decoction and infusion of leaves helps to normalize the work of the heart, intestines and stomach, and helps to lower blood sugar levels, which is very important for diabetics.

Blueberries can be eaten even by diabetics

Benefits for the body

1. Berries (juice from them) help to quickly relieve tension in the eyes after a hard day's work, as well as improve vision.
2. Blueberries are recommended for people working with radioactive elements (the substances contained in the berries contribute to the rapid removal of dangerous radioactive metals from the human body).
3. Ascorbic acid has a positive effect on the immune system, helps to strengthen it, which is very important after the illness.
4. A decoction of blueberry leaves is used as a mild laxative (it is recommended to drink it for people suffering from frequent constipation).
5. Enzymes in berries and leaves help lower blood sugar, increase the effects of drugs, and restore tissue (very important for people with diabetes).

Contraindications to the use of blueberries

Blueberries can only be consumed in small quantities, since the berry can cause a violation of muscle functions due to the influence of antioxidants.

Do not consume too much blueberry at a time

The main contraindications:

• pregnancy and lactation (berries can cause severe allergies and intoxication of the fragile body of the baby);
• biliary dyskinesia (substances contained in the pulp of the fruit can cause an exacerbation of the disease).

The use of blueberries in cooking

Blueberries and leaves are used for culinary purposes. Various tasty jellies, mousses, sauces, fruit drinks and fruit drinks, preserves and jams are prepared from them. Liqueurs and liquors are made from fruit juice, they have a pleasant smell and unusual taste.

Blueberry jam

The use of blueberries for medicinal purposes

1. To increase immunity, it is recommended to drink 100 ml of freshly squeezed juice from blueberries daily.
2. Decoction and juice from the fruit helps to quickly get rid of fever, flu and bronchitis. Taking only 50 ml of natural medicine 3-4 times a day, you can alleviate the suffering of the patient.
3. Juice from berries helps get rid of dysentery (it strengthens the stomach after an illness, helps to restore it).
4. A decoction of leaves and berries helps to normalize sleep, relieve nervous tension.

Blueberries are a natural source of vitamins. It helps to get rid of many diseases, strengthens the immune system and helps to improve body functions. Use berries or leaves of a bush for the treatment or prevention of various diseases, and the result will not be long in coming.

Useful properties of blueberries: video

What is useful blueberry: photo

Blueberries have many beneficial properties and contraindications for women and men. This delicious berry favorably affects the state of health, improves mood and is able to strengthen the body no worse than pharmacy multivitamin complexes.

Blueberry Properties

The berry of dark blue color ripens by the end of summer. Their taste is soft, delicate and rich. They are very useful. The latter is due to a large number of useful elements in the composition. 90% of the berries are blueberries. In addition to liquid, the product contains:

• mineral salts;
• acetic acid;
• vitamin C;
• lemon acid;
• a nicotinic acid;
• phosphorus;
• calcium,
• provitamins and vitamins A;
• apple acid;
• oxalic acid;
• flavonoids;
• iron;
• b vitamins;
• vitamins K, PP, P;
• carotene;
• magnesium.

A successful combination of all these components provides everything that blueberry has useful properties and contraindications for women, men and children. It is a good antioxidant, helps maintain youthful skin, improves eyesight, and fights swelling and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the berry:

• relieves inflammation;
• accelerates the recovery processes of the body (which is especially valuable during the period of rehabilitation after serious illness);
• it has an antipyretic effect;
• significantly reduces the risk of cancer;
• favorably affects the gastrointestinal tract;
• improves processes;
• normalizes the pancreas;
• protects nerve cells from destruction;
• increases alertness;
• relieves stress from the eyes;
• prevents age-related weakening.

What is blueberry useful for women?

This berry is almost universal. All that blueberry has useful properties and contraindications for women are provided with natural ingredients. The fair sex often uses berries to maintain natural beauty. And she copes with this task no worse than expensive cosmetics. And the benefit of blueberries is that it can help in solving one of the most common female problems -.

Blueberries for pregnant women - benefits

Since this is a natural product, it can be eaten by expectant mothers. More precisely, it is not possible, but necessary. Blueberries for pregnant women will be an excellent source of vitamins, which the body during this period needs especially badly. Without them, the unborn child will not be able to develop normally. Although everything that has blueberry berry has beneficial properties, and contraindications for women in position should be considered.

If there are no warnings, the product can be safely consumed. In this case, the berry will have the following actions:

• contribute to the formation of a strong nervous system in the fetus;
• participate in the correct laying of organs;
• improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• compensate for the lack of most vital vitamins;
• increase the mood of a pregnant woman;
• to give shine and strength to the hair of the future mother.

Blueberries for nursing mothers

Do not give up berries during lactation. Blueberries have beneficial properties for women and at this stage of life have:

1. Natural antioxidants will strengthen the immune system, which will allow the body weakened after childbirth to fight various diseases.
2. Due to the properties of berries, muscle tissue and epidermis are more likely to be restored.
3. A large amount of vitamin PP will strengthen the nervous system of a young mother and protect her from many disorders.
4. Pectin in blueberries promotes early weight loss after childbirth.

Blueberries for diabetics

What else is blueberry useful for - the fight against diabetes. Berries effectively remove toxins and toxins. In addition, gonobel - this is one of the many alternative names for blueberries - strengthens the body and prevents the development of various possible complications of diabetes. Regular use of berries allows you to adjust the amount of sugar in the blood and improves the overall well-being of patients.

Blueberries for immunity

Like most others, this berry has a good effect on the state of the immune system. In sweet and sour berries there are a lot of vitamins and minerals that help restore and activate their own defenses. Blueberries are especially beneficial for the body when consumed regularly, but eating too much is not recommended. The optimal dose is about 200 grams per day.

Blueberries for weight loss

What woman does not dream to lose a few extra pounds. Moreover, almost everyone would like to get off a little blood. Blueberry, whose benefits for women is invaluable, of course, it will not be able to cope with this task on its own - it will not be possible to lose weight without changing the diet and revising its attitude to physical activity - but it will greatly help in achieving the ideal result.

The berry is famous for its fat-burning properties. The effect is achieved due to the high content of polyphenols. The latter are involved in the breakdown of fats that are already in the body, and do not allow the formation of new deposits. What does it take to lose weight with blueberries? Just stick to proper nutrition and add berries to your daily diet.

Blueberries - contraindications

This product is one of the most harmless. It suits almost everyone, but this does not mean that blueberries do not have properties and contraindications. Some people still need to consume the berry with caution:

1. There are a lot of blueberries, and if they accumulate in the body in too much quantity, this can adversely affect the work of muscles.
2. Berries are not recommended for people with individual intolerance to the individual components of their composition.
3. Do not overeat blueberries. Too many useful trace elements are also not good.
4. The berry can harm people with biliary dyskinesia, therefore, before using it, people with such a diagnosis should consult a specialist.
5. Additional consultation is also required for those taking blood-thinning drugs. In combination with them, blueberries can be harmful.

How to apply blueberries?

Most benefits are in fresh berries. Many people love to eat them in their pure form. Useful properties of the product are also preserved in compotes, teas, decoctions, and juices prepared from it. Among other things, blueberries for women can be used in the form of products made on the basis of plant leaves. In the last useful components no less than in the fruits of gonobel. True, before eating leaves, you need to spend a little time to prepare some kind of healing remedy from them.

Blueberry fruit

If there is a fresh gonobel, then it is better to choose dense unsuppressed, but soft berries. These will be the most pleasant to taste. Of these, it is easiest to make juice, which is used for:

• diarrhea;
• inflammation of the kidneys;
• hypovitaminosis.

Some used to add blueberries to tea and pastries. True, it is important to understand that in the latter case, part of the beneficial properties of the fruit is still lost during heat treatment. To be able to be treated with berries all year round, for the winter they can be frozen or dried.

Blueberry   - a plant growing in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere, preferring a temperate or cold climate. The tundra, marshy areas, peat bogs, the upper reaches of the mountains became the “place of permanent residence” of this unique northern berry.

Blueberries

Blueberries begin to be harvested in August, the collection of wild berries can continue until the frosts.

Due to the external similarities, many confuse blueberries with, however, if you look closely, you can notice a number of distinguishing features. Blueberries are larger, more watery, the flesh is not purple, but greenish, and the juice is transparent. There are differences in taste - blueberries are more acidic.

Beneficial features

Blueberries are a juicy berry with bright purple flesh and a bluish bloom. This berry has a lot of useful properties and qualities. Blueberries contain useful vitamins such as A, C, PP, K and B vitamins. In addition, it is rich in trace elements - calcium, iron, phosphorus, fiber and many others.

Blueberry composition

Blueberry, without exaggeration, should be called a “berry of beauty”, because it is an invaluable source of a large amount of antioxidants that will not allow the skin to fade. In addition, this useful berry is low-calorie (100 g of blueberries contains only 39 kcal), so it can serve as a full-fledged dessert without damage to the figure.

Useful properties of blueberries can be listed indefinitely. Due to its diverse composition, the berry is useful for an extensive list of diseases; it is used for disorders of the pancreas, digestive system, gastritis, and cardiovascular diseases.

Blueberries are a diuretic and choleretic. The berry and juice from it will be very useful for people who are prone to diabetes, as it effectively fights with excessive blood sugar readings. After a course of taking antibiotics, it is useful to strengthen the body with juice or fruit juice from berries.

Useful properties of blueberries have been identified when caring for tired eyes. If your work requires constant eye strain, then extract from blueberries will become a reliable assistant in the treatment of tired eyes, due to the content of carotene or provitamin A, which is known for its beneficial effect on vision.

Useful properties for children

Blueberries should be an indispensable part of the diet of baby food, since the healing elements and vitamins that make up its composition contribute to the growth of teeth in a child, strengthen bone tissue and improve immunity. The northern berry also has a healing effect on the oral cavity, as it has good antibacterial and wound healing properties.

In order to prevent stomatitis, gum disease, as well as with scratches, sores in the oral cavity in children, freshly squeezed blueberry juice should be consumed (if older children, you can replace the juice with thoroughly washed berries).

Blueberries as a medicine

Below you can find the most useful blueberry recipes that help with a variety of diseases.

Anemia, scurvy: take 100 grams of blueberry juice, add 120 grams of sour cream or whey. Take in the morning, on an empty stomach, for 14 days.

Ischemia, angina pectoris, decreased appetite: drink 100 - 150 grams of blueberry juice.

Diabetes: Mix 40 grams of leaves and shoots of blueberries, add 200 grams of boiling water, warm the mixture for 10 minutes, filter. Take the broth chilled in a tablespoon after eating.

Liver diseases, cholecystitis, diarrhea: Take blueberry juice 100 grams after a meal.

Vascular and heart diseases: Grind 40 grams of dried leaves and pour 200 grams of water, warm the mixture for 10 minutes, filter. Take the drink chilled 40 grams after a meal.

Pancreatitis, colitis, gastritis: After eating, eat 150 - 200 grams of blueberries.

Fever: In 250 grams of water, brew 100 grams of berries. Let it brew for about an hour. Squeeze the berries. Take the resulting mixture in the morning and evening, adding 20 grams of honey.

Traditional and unusual recipes with blueberries

Blueberries are a very versatile berry widely used in cooking. In a traditional blueberry pie, it can be used as a filling. It can also be used in all kinds of desserts: jelly, jelly, fruit salads.

Not traditional fruit salads with the addition of blueberries, but snack salads, which are a very exotic dish for our perception, are becoming increasingly popular in the culinary of foreign countries.

Here is one of many recipes for an unusual combination of products, but such a healthy snack salad with blueberries.

Blueberry and Feta Salad

Ingredients:

- 1 glass of blueberries (fresh, washed, dried berries on a napkin);
  - 120 grams of feta cheese, cut into cubes (can be replaced with feta cheese);
  - 1/4 cup chopped almond;
  - 200 - 300 grams of a mixture of herbs;
  - 1 red onion (cut into thin slices);
  - 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds (steamed and slightly dried on a napkin).

Mix all the ingredients in a salad bowl and season with sweet and sour sauce.

Preparing the sauce for such a salad is quite simple. Mix in a separate bowl and whisk lightly with a whisk:

- olive oil (2-3 tablespoons);
  - Balsamic vinegar (2-3 tablespoons);
  - honey (1 teaspoon);
  - lemon juice (1 teaspoon);
  - a little black pepper.

The salad is ready to eat. Good appetite!

Planting and caring for garden blueberries

It is better to plant blueberries in spring, when there is less risk of freezing of a young seedling. The landing site is chosen protected from the wind, but well-lit. In the shade of other trees, the berries are smaller.

Preparing the soil for planting

Blueberries love sour land, and can not stand the close proximity of plants. If there is no suitable soil composition, it is corrected by filling the pit for planting with peat, sawdust and sand. You can shed citric, malic or oxalic acid, diluting in a bucket of water 100 ml of any acid. Organic blueberries do not need to be fertilized.

Plants should be planted deeper than it had grown before, with a distance between seedlings of 1 m. Planting is watered and covered with mulch. This will help to retain moisture longer and protect against weeds in the summer and freezing in the winter.

Care Features

Care consists in regular weeding. For young seedlings, weeds are the main enemy.

Loosen the soil carefully so as not to damage the roots.

Over the summer, mulch must be added several times. Sawdust and rotted manure can be used.

This plant is very hygrophilous and does not tolerate the drying of the earth, especially immediately after planting. It is necessary to water several times a day. When the blueberries are taken, watering can be reduced to several times a week. Watering is especially needed during the laying of buds for next year's harvest in July and August. But excess moisture is also harmful and should be avoided.

Important:   You can not prune a young seedling. Only diseased and broken branches are removed.

Anti-aging pruning

After 10 years, the yield usually decreases and anti-aging pruning should be done. This is done in two ways:

1. All old branches are cleaned in one year.

2. First, only part of the old branches are removed, and after the growth of young branches, all the rest are removed.

The first method threatens with a loss of yield in the first year of pruning. Therefore, they often use the second.

For better growth and increased yield, plants are fed with mineral fertilizers. This is done in the spring before the appearance of the kidneys and a month and a half after that.

Determination of micronutrient deficiencies

The lack of trace elements is easy to determine for yourself:

1. Yellowish-green leaves and small berries indicate a lack of nitrogen.

2. The purple shade of the leaves closely pressed to the trunk is a lack of phosphorus.

3. The black tops of the shoots and the death of the ends of the leaves - you need potassium.

4. With a lack of calcium, the edges of the leaves turn yellow.

5. Lack of magnesium is manifested in redness of the edges of the leaves.

6. The blue color and yellowing of the veins, the dying off of shoots indicates the need for boron.

7. Lack of iron appears in the green veins of yellowed leaves.

8. White or yellowish white leaves indicate a lack of sulfur.

When preparing the seedling for winter, carefully bend the branches to the ground so that they can be covered. After the onset of frost, the bushes are wrapped in burlap and put on top of the spruce branches. In winter they pour snow.

Freezing spring flowers can not be afraid. They easily tolerate small frosts.

Contraindications and harm

The benefits of blueberries for humans, no doubt, are great, but are there any contraindications to the use of this berry, is it dangerous? Basically, blueberries have no contraindications. Health problems can occur with excessive use of it.

As mentioned above, blueberries are abundant in antioxidants, which interfere with the supply of oxygen to the muscles and lead to impaired muscle function.

With caution, blueberries should be used by women expecting a baby and nursing mothers, since blueberries contain substances that can lead to intoxication and allergic reactions in the child.

With biliary dyskinesia, one should also refrain from consuming the “northern berry”.

Output: Without a doubt, a guest from the northern latitudes is not only pleasant and refreshing in taste, but also a very useful berry. Blueberries are an inexhaustible source of health, longevity and beauty for you and your loved ones.

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

Where does blueberry 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 either rocky terrain or dry soil. The life span of a small shrub can reach 90 years.

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

The chemical composition of blueberries

The greatest number of useful elements is found in the skin of the berry.

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

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

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

The value of blueberries lies in the fact that it contains all the essential amino acids and 12 essential ones. According to their content, it is ahead of many berries. In addition, the berry contains fiber, essential oils, tannins, flavanoids, antioxidants and dietary fiber (15% of the daily allowance).

Calorie Blueberries -   40 kcal per 100 g.

The daily norm of blueberries is   150 g for adults, 80 g for children.

Health benefits and health benefits of blueberries

• possesses antimicrobial and antipyretic properties,
• strengthens the immune system
• improves vision
• relieves stress from the eyes,
• relieves constipation,
• improves digestion,
• normalizes metabolism
• cancer prevention
• removes radioactive metals,
• helps with cystitis
• normalizes the pancreas,
• reduces swelling
• lowers blood sugar
• strengthens the heart and blood vessel walls,
• promotes blood formation,
• lowers bad cholesterol
• improves the functioning of the nervous system,
• prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease,
• strengthens the memory
• stimulates the brain
• eliminates bruises under the eyes,
• slows down the aging process
• improves skin and hair condition,
• accelerates the healing of wounds and pustules.

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

Useful properties of blueberries for women

Blue berry is very useful for the female body. It normalizes the menstrual cycle and strengthens the work of the endocrine glands.

Blueberry improves the appearance of the skin, eliminates skin rashes and bruises under the eyes, which often occur due to problems with the pancreas. The plant removes bile and relieves swelling.

Pregnant women can eat blueberries, but in small quantities. Since it contains calcium, its use 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.

The healing properties of blueberry leaves

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

For drying, the leaves should be collected during the flowering of blueberries.

A therapeutic drink is prepared simply: 1 tsp. chopped dried leaves pour 1 cup of warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes and then strain.

Contraindications and harm blueberries

• individual intolerance,
• lactation,
• stomach ulcer.

Despite all the benefits of blue berries, you should not abuse it, otherwise digestion worsens: there is prolonged diarrhea, bloating and increased gas formation. But in order to get such “consequences” one should still try hard. This effect appears if you eat about 1 kg of product.

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

In addition, the berry harvested only in ecologically clean areas is of real benefit. The fact is that blueberries absorb well all harmful substances from the soil.

When and how to pick blueberries

The blue berry ripens in late July - early August, respectively, this is the best time to collect it. The work is rather laborious.

It is best to pick berries with your hands, and not use special tools (hand harvesters). They damage shrubs, thereby reducing the amount of yield in subsequent years. Agree that it is better to tolerate, but enjoy and enjoy the berries every summer.

How to store blueberries at home

Fresh berry is stored for 7-12 days in the refrigerator. It is recommended to use glass or wooden utensils for storage.

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

Berries can also be frozen. In frozen form, it will last about a year.

In the season of this berry, be sure to saturate it. She works miracles: strengthens health, tones the body and energizes.

Video: useful properties of blueberries

  »Blueberry

What they do not discuss at women's forums is Goji berries, pineapple, jojoba ... By the frequency of references, blueberries are far from the first lines of the rating.

Undeservedly forgotten berries are often confused with blueberries. Outwardly they are similar, but the blueberries are larger and its flesh is green. Another plus of blueberries is that its berries do not paint the mouth, you can eat without fear of appearing with blue teeth and lips afterwards. Let's talk more about the beneficial properties and contraindications of blueberries.

The nutritional value of 100 grams of blueberries is:

• proteins - 1 gram,
• fats - 0.5 grams,
• carbohydrates - 6.6 grams.

Such a quite decent sugar content is combined with a low calorie content of berries.: 100 grams of blueberries is just 39 calories. And the list of all useful components rightfully puts blueberries in the list of not only dietary, but also medicinal products.

The berry is tasty, consists of 90% water, and the remaining 10% is pure benefit.: vitamins (A, C, PP, B1, B2, K), micro and macro elements (Fe, P, Ca, M and K), citric, acetic, malic, nicotinic, oxalic acids, fiber, pectins, carotene, tannins substances, antioxidants ...

Almost all of these substances are also found in leaves.

It is known that all purple fruits and berries contain anthocyanins that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. So in blueberries they are 4 times more - 1600 mg of anthocyanins - against 400 mg / 100g in blueberries.

Useful properties of berries for the human body

Such a composition has anti-cancer properties and increases the ability of cell regeneration. Regular consumption of at least a glass of berries helps to increase the production of natural collagen by 2 times. There is even a special lifting program for getting rid of wrinkles, based on a diet of forest blueberries.

With 39 calories per 100 grams of berries, blueberries are indispensable in diets with a strict calorie restriction. The carotene, which affects the formation of a beautiful tan, the human body absorbs from blueberries almost completely, which cannot be said about carotene from traditional carrots.

But in addition to cosmetic effects, the collagen formed increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and the general blood flow, which contributes to the saturation of all body cells with oxygen. The use of blueberries can not only look good, but also significantly reduce the possibility of heart attack and other heart diseases.

Not only berries have useful properties. A decoction of the leaves is not only used as a mild laxative, but also to increase the level of sugar, it is useful for anemia and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Active influence on the nutrition of brain tissues and the vascular system, improves memory and memory processes. There is evidence that its use can slow the progressive development of senile dementia - Alzheimer's disease. And if you drink fresh juice - age-related weakening of memory will not develop at all.

With diseases of the internal organs, rubbed berries are very useful. It is not only nutritionists who recommend blueberries for cystitis, gastritis, enterocolitis. The only thing you should definitely pay attention to - with low acidity, consuming blueberries in large quantities is undesirable: It is naturally endowed with a high content of natural organic acids.

Sour drink is indicated for colds, exacerbation of renal diseases. Blueberry-based drinks are much superior in this quality not only to imported lemons, but also to traditional cranberries.

Harm from blueberries and contraindications for use

Still not worth overeating blueberries. It’s not about allergies at all - an excess of antioxidants can be harmful to your health because it reduces the amount of oxygen entering your muscles.

There is another important aspect - blueberries increase blood clotting. This means that its use must be limited to cardiovascular patients who are forced to take drugs to reduce blood viscosity (with a risk of strokes and heart attacks).

Low acidity gastroenterologist patients   also should not abuse blueberries due to the high content of organic acids.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers   it is necessary to consult a doctor in any case, even in the absence of any painful symptoms.

The use of blueberries in folk medicine

Since ancient times, traditional medicine has successfully used the properties of blueberries to treat various diseases of men and women.

To normalize bowel function   either a decoction of the leaves was used (it has a laxative effect) or an infusion of berries (the fastening effect is manifested if the berries are kneaded and pour boiling water for 15 minutes).

How to make a decoction

2 tablespoons dry or fresh leaves   pour a glass of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes   and before cooling naturally.

Sour drink from garden blueberries also   helps treat kidney inflammation and urolithiasis   - The acid is able to dissolve small kidney stones and help cleanse the kidneys.

Teas from blueberries with honey treated colds. Instead of modern pills and antibiotics, they used antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, anti-zingotic, mild sedative action of blueberries.

Modern traditional medicine in the list of diseases that are successfully treated in the initial stage by simple consumption of blueberries includes non-immune diabetes, pancreatic diseases, age-related changes in memory, mild cases of radiation sickness, varicose veins.

Nobody knew about thrombosis, but blueberries have been successfully used to combat low coagulation   high in vitamin K.

The use of berries during pregnancy and lactation

Regularly feasting on blueberries during pregnancy is absolutely justified. It not only contains many vitamins, but also is rich in trace elements:

• magnesium   responsible for the development of the baby’s nervous system,
• iron   provides oxygen nutrition.

During pregnancy, it is important for a woman to receive not only a sufficient amount of vitamins, but also dietary fiber, peptins and antioxidants, which this berry is so rich in.

After childbirth, pediatricians are also advised not to give up their favorite berry - eating blueberries makes your nursing mom calmer (the effect of magnesium) and postpartum anemia is faster (iron from blueberries is absorbed almost completely).

Unpleasant symptoms can occur from the consumption of blueberries: diarrhea, bloating, indigestion. But this will happen if you eat about 1 kilogram of berries at a time. So for a nursing mother and baby, an overdose is unlikely.

A woman should introduce any new products gradually into her diet - this is a well-known fact. Three months after giving birth, you can start with several berries to eat blueberries. If the baby does not show signs of allergy, the number of berries can be gradually increased. It is only necessary to know the measure and be attentive to all changes in the health of the baby.

Blueberry Vitamin Recipes

Blueberry drinks are not only tasty, but also beneficial for the human body. If cooked correctly, most nutrients are preserved. What kind of berry is needed and how much, see our recipes.

You will need:

• 500 grams of blueberries
• 100 grams of blueberries
• 200-300 grams of sugar,
• 3 liters of water.

Cooking:

Sort the berries and rinse with running water. In an enameled bowl, crush until juice appears, adding sugar in the process. During this time, the water in the pan should boil. Grated berries with sugar, put in a saucepan and stirring to bring almost to a boil. Turn off immediately. After cooling, strain and bottle. Keep refrigerated.

You will need:

• 1.5 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries,
• 0.5 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon with a starch slide,
• 1/3 teaspoon of citric acid
• 1 liter of water.

Cooking:

• The berries are ground through a fine sieve - it turns separately squeezes and juice. Squeeze poured with boiling water and boil for 5 minutes.
• Strain the broth, add sugar and bring to a boil. Throw out the spin.
• In a separate bowl, dilute the starch with a small amount of cold water. With a thin stream with constant stirring, pour into boiling syrup.
• Add gently add blueberry juice and citric acid.
• Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat.
• In order not to form a film, you can sprinkle with sugar.
• Kissel is ready.

Blueberries are consumed both fresh and harvested for the winter in frozen form, mashed with sugar or boiled jam.

Garden blueberries mashed with sugar

You will need:

• 1 kg of blueberries
• 300-400 g of sugar.

Cooking:

Mash the berries or smash them with a blender, add granulated sugar and mix in an enameled bowl. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Put in sterile jars.

To preserve the vitamin composition of mashed potatoes better stored in the refrigerator. For storage in the basement   the workpiece must be sterilized and rolled up.

Jam

Required:

• 1 kg of berries
• 4 cups sugar
• 1 cup of water.

Cooking:

• Sort blueberries, rinse and dry.
• While the berries are drying, they prepare the syrup.
• Berries fall asleep in syrup for 15-20 minutes.
• On low heat with constant stirring cook the mixture for 20 minutesremoving the foam.
• Ready jam is laid out in sterile jars, twisted and turned.
• Banks are wrapped and left to cool completely.

Such jam is successfully stored even without a refrigerator.

Conclusion

You should not exaggerate the therapeutic effect of regular consumption of blueberries, but you should not neglect such a valuable gift of nature either.

You can be skeptical about traditional medicine, but the chemical composition and the long-term practice of nutritionists only confirms that this berry deserves more attention.