Blueberries - beneficial properties and contraindications. Blueberries useful properties

01.09.2019 Vegetable dishes


Blueberry is a medicinal plant that contains a large amount 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 shrub are used for medicinal or prophylactic purposes, it also has a number of contraindications that should be paid attention to in order to prevent negative health consequences. This article provides all the detailed information about the healing properties of blueberries, their features of use in everyday life.

Description

Blueberries are a member of the heather family and are the closest relative of blueberries. Shrub grows, both in forest areas and on the shores of swamps, rivers and lakes. Currently, the plant is grown in vegetable gardens or summer cottages. It is unpretentious, does not require special care, and tolerates severe frosts quite easily.

The main value of the shrub is blue fruit with a bluish bloom. They are small (up to 1.2 cm in diameter), pleasant aroma and sweet taste.

Blueberries can be easily grown at their summer cottage

Vitamin composition

Blueberry, like any other medicinal plant, contains a large amount of useful vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. The leaves and fruits of blueberries include:

  • 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 blueberry berries, nutrients and vitamins are in a higher concentration, in contrast to 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 prevent them. Blueberries are used as:

  • diuretic;
  • choleretic;
  • cardiotic;

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

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

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

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

Even diabetics can eat blueberries

Benefits for the body

  1. Berries (juice from them) help to quickly relieve tension in the eyes after a hard day at work, as well as improve vision.
  2. Bilberry fruits are recommended to be consumed by people working with radioactive elements (substances contained in berries contribute to the rapid removal of hazardous 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 an 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. The enzymes found in berries and leaves help lower blood sugar, enhance drug action, and repair tissue (very important for people with diabetes).

Contraindications to the use of blueberries

Blueberries can only be consumed in small quantities, as the berry can cause muscle dysfunction due to the influence of antioxidants.

Don't eat too many blueberries at one time

The main contraindications:

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

The use of blueberries in cooking

The berries and leaves of blueberries are used for culinary purposes. Various delicious jelly, mousse, sauces, compotes and fruit drinks, preserves and jams are prepared from them. Liqueurs and liqueurs are made from fruit juice; they have a pleasant smell and unusual taste.

Blueberry jam

Medicinal uses of blueberries

  1. To enhance immunity, it is recommended to drink 100 ml of freshly squeezed blueberry juice daily.
  2. The 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 can alleviate the suffering of the patient.
  3. Juice from berries helps to get rid of dysentery (it strengthens the stomach after 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 improves body functions. Use berries or bush leaves for the treatment or prevention of various diseases, and the result will not be long in coming.

Useful properties of blueberries: video

Why blueberries are useful: photo




Blueberries have numerous beneficial properties and contraindications for women and men. This tasty berry has a beneficial effect on health, improves mood and is able to strengthen the body no worse than pharmacy multivitamin complexes.

Blueberry properties

The dark blue berry ripens towards 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. Blueberries are 90% water. 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 all that blueberries have useful properties and contraindications for women, men and children. It is a good antioxidant, helps to keep skin youthful, improves vision, fights puffiness and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the berry:

  • relieves inflammation;
  • accelerates the recovery processes of the body (which is especially valuable during the rehabilitation period after serious illnesses);
  • has an antipyretic effect;
  • significantly reduces the risk of oncology;
  • has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
  • improves processes;
  • normalizes the work of the pancreas;
  • protects nerve cells from destruction;
  • increases attentiveness;
  • relieves eye strain;
  • prevents age-related weakening.

Why are blueberries good for women?

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

Blueberries for pregnant women - benefits

Since this is a natural product, expectant mothers can also eat it. More precisely, it is not possible, but necessary. Blueberries for pregnant women will be an excellent source of vitamins, which the body needs especially badly during this period. Without them, the future child will not be able to develop normally. Although all that blueberry berry has useful properties, and contraindications for women in position should be taken into account.

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

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

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. Thanks to the properties of berries, muscle tissue and epidermis are more likely to be restored.
  3. A large amount in the composition of vitamin PP will strengthen the nervous system of a young mother and protect her from many disorders.
  4. The pectin in blueberries promotes early weight loss after childbirth.

Blueberries for diabetics

Another thing blueberries are good for is fighting diabetes. Berries effectively remove toxins and toxins. In addition, gonobel, 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 regulate the amount of sugar in the blood and improves the general well-being of patients.

Blueberries for immunity

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

Blueberries for weight loss

What woman doesn't dream of losing a few extra pounds. Moreover, almost everyone would like to get off with a little blood. Blueberries, whose benefits for women are invaluable, of course, will not cope with this task on their own - you will not be able to get rid of excess weight without changing your diet and without reconsidering your attitude to physical activity - but it will greatly help in achieving an 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 do you need to lose weight with blueberries? Just stick to the right diet and add the berry to your daily diet.

Blueberries - contraindications


This product is one of the most harmless. It is suitable for almost everyone, but this does not mean that blueberries have no properties or contraindications. Some people still need to use the berry with caution:

  1. There are a lot of blueberries, and if they accumulate in the body in too much, this can negatively affect muscle function.
  2. Berries are not recommended for people with individual intolerance to certain components of their composition.
  3. Do not overeat blueberries. Too many useful microelements 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 advice is also required for those taking blood-thinning medications. In combination with them, blueberries can be harmful.

How to use blueberries?

Fresh berries are most beneficial. Many people love to eat them in their pure form. The useful properties of the product are also preserved in compotes, teas, broths, 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 latter, there are no less useful components than in the fruits of gonobel. True, before using the leaves, you need to spend a little time to prepare some kind of healing agent from them.

Blueberry fruit

If there is fresh gonobel, then it is better to choose dense, uncrushed, but soft berries. These will be the tastiest. Of these, the easiest way to prepare juice, which is used for:

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

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

Blueberry decoction

Ingredients.

Blueberry - a plant that grows in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere, preferring a temperate or cold climate. The tundra, marshlands, peat bogs, and the upper reaches of the mountains have become the "place of permanent residence" of this unique northern berry.

Blueberry berries

Blueberries start to be harvested in August, and wild berries can be harvested until the frost.

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

Beneficial features

Blueberry is a juicy berry with a bright purple pulp 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, they are rich in trace elements - calcium, iron, phosphorus, fiber and many others.

Blueberry composition

Blueberries, without exaggeration, should be called the "berry of beauty" because they are an invaluable source of large amounts of antioxidants that will keep the skin from fading. In addition, this healthy berry is low in calories (100 g of blueberries contain only 39 kcal), so it can serve as a full-fledged dessert without harming the figure.


The benefits of blueberries are endless. Due to its varied composition, the berry is useful for a wide range of diseases, it is used for dysfunctions of the pancreas, digestive system, gastritis, cardiovascular diseases.

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

The beneficial properties of blueberries have also been found in the care of tired eyes. If your work requires constant eye strain, then blueberry extract will be a reliable assistant in the treatment of tired eyes, thanks to the content of carotene or provitamin A in its composition, which is known for its beneficial effects on vision.

Useful properties for children

Blueberries should become an obligatory 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 the functioning of the immune system. 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 inflammation, as well as scratches, sores in the oral cavity in children, you should use freshly squeezed blueberry juice (if children are older, you can replace the juice with thoroughly washed berries).

Blueberries as 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 milk 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 blueberry leaves and shoots, add 200 grams of boiling water, heat the mixture for 10 minutes, filter. Take the broth chilled in a tablespoon after meals.

Liver diseases, cholecystitis, diarrhea: Take 100 grams of blueberry juice after meals.

Diseases of blood vessels and heart: Grind 40 grams of dried leaves and pour 200 grams of water, heat the mixture for 10 minutes, filter. Take the drink chilled 40 grams after meals.

Pancreatitis, colitis, gastritis: Eat 150-200 grams of blueberries after meals.

Elevated temperature: Brew 100 grams of berries in 250 grams of water. 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 blueberry recipes

Blueberries are a highly 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 more and more popular in the cuisine of foreign countries.

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

Blueberry and feta salad

Ingredients:

- 1 glass of blueberries (fresh, washed, dried on a napkin berries);
- 120 grams of feta cheese, diced (can be replaced with feta cheese);
1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 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).

Combine all 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:

- 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 become smaller.

Preparing the soil for planting

Blueberries love sour soil, and do not tolerate close proximity of plants. If there is no soil suitable for its composition, it is corrected by filling the planting pit with peat, sawdust and sand. You can spill with citric, malic or oxalic acid by diluting 100 ml of any acid in a bucket of water. There is no need to fertilize blueberries with organic matter.

It is necessary to plant the plants deeper than it grew before, with a distance of 1 m between the seedlings. The planting is watered and covered with mulch. This will help to retain moisture longer and prevent weeds in summer and freezing in winter.

Care features

Maintenance consists of regular weeding. For young seedlings, weeds are the main enemy.

It is necessary to loosen the soil carefully so as not to damage the roots.

Over the summer, mulch must be added several times. You can use sawdust and rotted manure.

The plant is very moisture-loving and does not tolerate drying out of the earth, especially immediately after planting. Water it several times a day. Once the blueberries are ready, you can reduce watering to a few times a week. Watering is especially necessary 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 cannot prune a young seedling. Only diseased and broken branches are removed.

Anti-aging pruning

After 10 years, the yield usually decreases and you need to do anti-aging pruning. This is done in two ways:

1. All old branches are removed in one year.

2. First, only a part of the old branches are removed, and after the young ones grow back, 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 buds and a month and a half after that.

Determination of micronutrient deficiencies

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

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

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

3. Black tips of the shoots and necrosis of the tips of the leaves - potassium is needed.

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

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

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

7. Lack of iron manifests itself in the green veins of yellowed leaves.

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

When preparing a seedling for winter, you must 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 spruce branches are placed on top. Snow is poured in in winter.

You can not be afraid of freezing of flowers in spring. They easily tolerate small frosts.

Contraindications and harm

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

As mentioned above, blueberries are high in antioxidants that inhibit the flow of oxygen to the muscles and lead to muscle dysfunction.

Women who are expecting a baby and nursing mothers should use blueberries with caution, as blueberries contain substances that can lead to intoxication and allergic reactions in a child.

With dyskinesia of the biliary tract, you should also refrain from using the "northern berry".

Output: Without a doubt, a guest from the northern latitudes is not only a pleasant and refreshing taste, but also a very healthy 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 full of vitamins and minerals, thanks to which it effectively strengthens the human immune system and allows maintaining the health of the body throughout the winter season.

Where do blueberries 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. A small shrub can live up to 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 largest amount 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 non-essential ones. By 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 value).

Calorie content of blueberries - 40 kcal per 100 g.

Blueberry daily intake - 150 g for adults, 80 g for children.

Health Benefits and Health Benefits of Blueberries

  • has antimicrobial and antipyretic properties,
  • strengthens the immune system,
  • improves vision,
  • relieves eye strain,
  • relieves constipation,
  • improves digestion,
  • normalizes metabolism,
  • cancer prevention,
  • removes radioactive metals,
  • helps with cystitis,
  • normalizes the work of the pancreas,
  • reduces puffiness,
  • lowers blood sugar,
  • strengthens the heart and vascular walls,
  • promotes hematopoiesis,
  • lowers the level of bad cholesterol,
  • improves the functioning of the nervous system,
  • prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease,
  • strengthens memory,
  • stimulates the brain,
  • relieves bruises under the eyes,
  • slows down the aging process,
  • improves the condition of the skin and hair,
  • accelerates the healing of wounds and abscesses.

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

Benefits of blueberries for women

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

Blueberries improve the appearance of the skin, relieve skin rashes and bruises under the eyes, which often occur due to problems with the functioning of the pancreas. The plant removes bile and relieves puffiness.

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 with 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 effects, which is why they are used to combat constipation.

For drying, the leaves should be harvested while the blueberry is in bloom.

A medicinal drink is prepared simply: 1 tsp. Pour 1 cup of warm water over the crushed dried leaves. Let it brew for 10 minutes and then strain.

Contraindications and harm to blueberries

  • individual intolerance,
  • lactation,
  • stomach ulcer.

Despite all the benefits of the blue berry, you should not abuse it, otherwise the digestion function worsens: prolonged diarrhea, bloating and increased gas production appear. But to get such "consequences" you should still try hard. This effect appears if you eat about 1 kg of the 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, berries harvested only in ecologically clean areas are of real benefit. The fact is that blueberries well absorb all harmful substances from the soil.

When and how to pick blueberries

Blue berry ripens in late July - early August, respectively, this is the best time to harvest it. The work is quite laborious.

It is best to pick the berries by hand rather than using special tools (handheld harvesters). They damage shrubs, thereby reducing the amount of harvest in subsequent years. Agree that it is better to be patient, but to rejoice and enjoy the berries every summer.

How to store blueberries at home

Fresh berries are stored for 7-12 days in the refrigerator. It is recommended to use glass or wooden dishes to store it.

The fruits can be dried. Spread the berries on a flat surface (tray) in a thin layer, then leave them in the sun for 1 day. During this time, they wilted. Move them to a dark, cool and well-ventilated area the next day. Remember 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. When frozen, it will last for about a year.

In the season of this berry, be sure to feed on it. It works wonders: strengthens health, tones the body and energizes.

Video: the beneficial properties of blueberries

»Blueberries

What is not discussed on women's forums - Goji berries, pineapple, jojoba ... In terms of the frequency of mentions, blueberries are far from the first lines of the rating.

This undeservedly forgotten berry is often confused with blueberries. Outwardly they are similar, but blueberries are larger and their flesh is green... Another plus for blueberries - its berries do not color your mouth, you can eat without fear of appearing afterwards with blue teeth and lips. Let's talk in more detail 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 only 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 delicious, it consists of 90% water, and the remaining 10% is pure benefit: vitamins (A, C, PP, B1, B2, K), micro- and macroelements (Fe, P, Ca, M and K), citric, acetic, malic, nicotinic, oxalic acids, fiber, pectins, carotene, tanning substances, antioxidants ...

Almost all of these substances are found in the leaves.

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

Useful properties of berries for the human body

This composition has anti-cancer properties and increases the ability of cells to regenerate. 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 wrinkle lifting program based on the wild blueberry diet.

At 39 calories per 100 grams of berries, blueberries are indispensable in tight calorie restriction diets.... Carotene, which affects the formation of a beautiful tan, is absorbed by the human body almost completely from blueberries, 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 oxygen in all cells of the body. Eating blueberries not only allows you to look good, but also significantly reduces the possibility of a heart attack and other heart diseases.

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

An active effect on the nutrition of brain tissue and the vascular system, helps to improve memory and memorization processes. There is evidence that its use can slow down 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..

For diseases of internal organs, pureed berries are very useful. It is not only nutritionists who advise to use blueberries for cystitis, gastritis, enterocolitis. The only thing that you should definitely pay attention to is with low acidity, eating blueberries in large quantities is undesirable: it is naturally endowed with a high content of natural organic acids.

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

Harm from blueberries and contraindications for use

Overeating blueberries is still not worth it. This isn't about allergies - excess antioxidants can be harmful to your health by reducing the amount of oxygen going into 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 medications to reduce blood viscosity (with the risk of strokes and heart attacks).


Gastroenterologist patients with low acidity blueberries should also not be overused due to their 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

For a long time, 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 poured with 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 until it cools naturally.


Sour drink made from garden blueberries also promotes the treatment of kidney inflammation and kidney stones - acid is able to dissolve small kidney stones and help cleanse the kidneys.

Blueberry teas with honey were used to treat colds... Instead of modern pills and antibiotics, they used antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antiscorbutic, mild sedative effect of blueberries.

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

Nobody knew about thrombus formation, but blueberries have been successfully used to combat low clotting with its high vitamin K content.

The use of berries during pregnancy and lactation

Regularly eating blueberries during pregnancy is absolutely justified. It not only contains many vitamins, but is also saturated with trace elements:

  • magnesium is responsible for the development of the baby's nervous system,
  • iron provides oxygen supply.

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


After giving birth, pediatricians also advise not to give up your favorite berry - eating blueberries makes a nursing mom calmer (the influence of magnesium) and postpartum anemia passes faster (iron from blueberries is absorbed almost completely).

Consuming blueberries can cause unpleasant symptoms.: 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 gradually introduce any new products into her diet - this is a well-known fact. Three months after giving birth, you can start with a few berries to eat blueberries... If the baby does not show signs of allergy, the number of berries can be gradually increased. You just need to know when to stop and be attentive to all changes in the baby's health.

Blueberry vitamin recipes

Blueberry drinks are not only tasty, but also beneficial for the human body. If prepared correctly, most of the nutrients are retained. 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.

Preparation:

Sort the berries and rinse with running water. In an enamel bowl, crush until juice appears, adding sugar in the process. During this time, the water in the pot should boil. Put the berries grated with sugar into a saucepan and, while stirring, bring almost to a boil... Switch off immediately. After cooling, strain and bottle. Keep refrigerated.


You will need:

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

Preparation:

  • The berries are ground through a fine sieve - separately pomace and juice are obtained. Pomace is poured with boiling water and boiled for 5 minutes.
  • Strain the broth, add sugar and bring to a boil. Throw away the push-ups.
  • In a separate bowl, dilute the starch with a little cold water. Pour into the boiling syrup in a thin stream with constant stirring.
  • Add gently add blueberry juice and citric acid.
  • Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat.
  • To avoid the formation of a film, you can sprinkle with sugar.
  • Kissel is ready.

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

Garden blueberries mashed with sugar


You will need:

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

Preparation:

Mash or crush the berries with a blender, add granulated sugar and stir in an enamel bowl. Heat until sugar dissolves. Arrange in sterile jars.

To preserve the vitamin content of puree best kept in the refrigerator. Basement storage the workpiece must be sterilized and rolled up.

Jam


Would need:

  • 1 kg of berries,
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1 glass of water.

Preparation:

  • Sort the blueberries, rinse and dry.
  • While the berries are drying, the syrup is prepared.
  • The berries are poured into the syrup for 15-20 minutes.
  • Over low heat with constant stirring boil the mixture for 20 minutesremoving the foam.
  • The finished jam is laid out in sterile jars, twisted and turned over.
  • Banks are wrapped and left to cool completely.

Such jam can be stored successfully even without a refrigerator.

Conclusion

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

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