Useful properties and contraindications of blueberries. There are a lot of vitamins in blueberries

Blueberry, beneficial features which is not as well known as hera close relative of blueberries, a low shrub that grows in temperate regions. It got its name because of the characteristic color of the berries, cast with a bluish bloom. It grows well in pine forests, peat bogs and swamps. Its berries and leaves are used in nutrition and in medicinal purposes. According to scientists' studies, blueberries can slow down the aging of the brain, increase attention, and protect against radiation. In this article we will talk about the beneficial properties and contraindications of blueberries.

Blueberry looks like and where it grows

This berry belongs to the Heather family of the Vaccinium genus. Scientific Latin name blueberries - Vaccinium uliginosum.

Blueberry is a deciduous shrub with straight branches, most often from 30 to 50 centimeters high. There are plants up to 1 meter high. Her leaves are small, no more than 3 centimeters, smooth, slightly elongated obovate in shape on short petioles.

Blueberries bloom with small five-toothed flowers in the month of May. Berries that ripen in July - August, are round or elongated purple, which can remain on the bush until frost.

In our country this berry is called marsh blueberry, swampy, undersized. The people call her a drunken berry, a drunkard, a dove, a dove, a stuffed cabbage and other names. Blueberry is a long-lived berry. Can grow up to 100 years.

It is distributed in light coniferous forests, peat bogs, swamps in temperate latitudes of Europe, Asia, North America. We can meet her at Far East, Caucasus, Siberia, Urals.

What is useful blueberries

Blueberries are a real treasure useful substances. And not only berries, but also its leaves.

It contains:

Vitamins PP, B4, B9, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, tocopherol, vitamin K, A, WITH;

salt minerals potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium;

Ash substances;

Cellulose;

Organic acids: citric, malic, oxalic, quinine, benzoic;

glycosides;

Antitions;

Flavonoids;

Tannins;

Antioxidants.

The leaves of the plant contain essential oil. They contain more arbutin (phenolic glycoside) than fruits.

In 100 grams of berries there is:

About 0.7 grams of protein;
12.5 grams of carbohydrates;
0.3 grams of fat;
2.5 grams of dietary fiber;
Water about 85 grams;

These small berries contain twice as much iron as apples or pears.

Potassium (77 mg per 100 grams) is directly involved in the regulation of cell fluid, helps prevent swelling.

Due to the high content of ascorbic acid, it helps to strengthen the immune system, has antibacterial properties.

Berry juice normalizes metabolism, it can be included in your diet for diabetics. These berries are great for losing weight and maintaining weight at an optimal level. Their calorie content is only 57 kilocalories per 100 grams.

Glycosides and anthocyanins reduce the permeability of blood vessels, improve the condition of the walls of blood vessels and capillaries.

Antioxidants and flavonoids warn premature aging body, neutralize the action free radicals remove toxic and carcinogenic substances from the body.

Vitamin K has an effect on blood clotting.

The presence of dietary fiber and pectin make this berry useful for people working in harmful conditions, as these substances bind toxins and remove them from the body.

Blueberries useful properties

First of all, blueberries dietary product With low content calories. It is consumed fresh, frozen, dried. Jam is made from them and other preparations are made.

The use of berries increases blood flow to the retina, relieves fatigue and irritation, inflammation of the eyes. It, like blueberries, is useful for people who spend a lot of time at the computer.

Berries have a positive effect on the entire body. They improve digestion, normalize metabolism, improve immune system, reduce blood sugar levels. Decoctions and infusions of leaves are drunk for diabetes, problems with the heart, intestines.

As a product containing many substances with antioxidant properties, it helps to prevent the development oncological diseases.

blueberry medicinal properties

Blueberry leaves and berries are used to treat and prevent many diseases. Our ancestors knew well pleasant taste and medicinal properties of blueberry berries and leaves.

Blueberries have:

Anti-inflammatory;

Antibacterial;

Immunostimulating;

Vascular strengthening

properties.

Berries and leaves are used in the treatment of:

Eye diseases;

diabetes mellitus;

Metabolic disorders;

Urolithiasis;

Rheumatism;

Diseases of the digestive tract.

Locally, berries and decoctions are used in the treatment of:

declines blood pressure;

Improving the work of the heart;

Strengthening the walls of blood vessels and capillaries;

Strengthening intestinal motility;

Radiation protection;

Prevention of atherosclerosis and improvement of brain functions;

Normalization of blood clotting.

Berries and blueberry leaves:

They are excellent prevention. cancerous tumors. Plant antioxidants at the cellular level act on malignant tumors, preventing their development and growth.
Used to prevent colds. Vitamins contained in blueberries strengthen the immune system.
It is used for the treatment eye diseases: conjunctivitis, with a decrease in visual acuity, deterioration of night vision, retinal detachment. Although some doctors claim that the berry does not affect vision.
Contribute to the improvement of metabolism, the removal of toxins and salts of heavy metals.
They have anti-inflammatory and choleretic action. In this capacity, it is often used to treat the liver, gallbladder and rheumatism.
Very effective in diseases of the kidneys and bladder.
It is often used in diabetes mellitus, as it normalizes blood sugar.
A decoction of leaves and berries can be used for chronic diarrhea. In addition, decoctions from it are very effective for pharyngitis, tonsillitis, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.
Dried berries help with cystitis.

Kissel with berries is useful for diseases of the stomach and intestines. It prevents decay and has disinfectant properties.

Useful and medicinal properties of blueberry leaves

Preparations based on blueberry leaves are used to treat skin diseases: burns, wounds, eczema.

Tea based on the leaves helps with headaches, coughs.

Leaves are used in the treatment of colds, rheumatism, kidney disease, diarrhea, to stabilize blood sugar in diabetes.

Decoction of blueberry leaves

Steep a tablespoon of crushed leaves in a glass of hot water. Put for half an hour to water bath. Strain and drink 1/3 cup three times a day.

Leaf decoction for bleeding

For 1 liter of water, take 50 grams of leaves. Boil in a water bath for 20 minutes. Strain and drink 50 ml three times a day. This decoction helps with colitis, gastritis, diabetes.

Blueberry leaf infusion

15 grams (1 tablespoon) of leaves pour 400 ml of boiling water and insist for an hour. Strain and drink 100 ml three times a day for diabetes, kidney stones, gastritis. This infusion is used for washing wounds, gargling.

Blueberry use in folk medicine

In folk medicine, blueberries are used in the form of decoctions, infusions, alcohol tincture. From fresh berries make juice, which has astringent properties. Due to the presence of anthocyanins, glycosides, tannins, they have an astringent, disinfectant, antiseptic effect in diarrhea, intestinal disorders, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder.

The presence of a number of important vitamins makes blueberries excellent tool for the prevention and treatment of beriberi.

Decoction for heart disease

To prepare a decoction, brew 2 tablespoons of chopped branches and leaves of the plant with a glass of boiling water and boil for half an hour in a water bath. Remove and refrigerate. Pour the strained broth to the original volume. Take a tablespoon up to 5 times a day.

Decoction of berries for dysentery

A tablespoon of dried or fresh berries brew a glass of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes. Remove and leave for 15 minutes. Take a decoction of a tablespoon up to 4 times during the day.

Infusion for enuresis

Brew a tablespoon of dried berries with a glass of boiling water and leave for 5 minutes. Drink before bedtime with inflammation of the kidneys and enuresis.

Tea with blueberries

Brew 2 teaspoons with a glass of boiling water and insist overnight (10-12 hours). Drink tea 1 - 2 cups a day in a warm form.

Alcohol tincture

To prepare the tincture, you can take fresh, dried or frozen berries.

Take 500 ml of vodka per glass of berries. Insist for 8 days in a dark place. Then filtered and stored in a cool place in a dark glass bottle.

Take it 1 dessert spoon, previously diluted with water, three times a day.

Blueberry contraindications

Blueberries are allergenic berries. Therefore, its use should be treated with extreme caution by people with allergies.

Since it contains oxalic acid, it is contraindicated in the presence of kidney stones.

The astringent properties of blueberries can lead to constipation.

It is forbidden to use berries for diseases of the pancreas, biliary dyskinesia.

In case of an overdose and consumption of a large number of berries, there may be bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Blueberries useful properties for women

The berries contain iron and folic acid, which are useful in preventing the development of anemia. In addition, iron is completely absorbed by the body.

As a beneficial effect on blood vessels, it can be included in your diet with a disposition to varicose veins veins, the presence of a small vascular network.

rich antioxidants, it will be useful during menopause.

Blueberries can be consumed during pregnancy as a source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are needed for normal course pregnancy and fetal development.

But at breastfeeding it is better to refuse this berry for a while so as not to provoke an allergic reaction in the baby.

Collection and harvesting of blueberries

Blueberry berries are harvested during the ripening season, which depends on the region where this berry bush grows. In more southern regions, the first berries can be harvested as early as July. It is better to take berries from young shrubs. The age of a bush can be determined by the number of branches: the older the bush, the more branches it has.

Berries are picked by hand. best time- in the morning or in the afternoon in the late afternoon.

Leaves are harvested in active period growing season: in spring and in the first half of summer. The highest content of useful active substances- flowering period. Branches are cut at the end of the growing season.

When buying berries on the market, you need to pay attention first of all to their appearance: the berries must be whole, equally ripe, dry and without signs of damage and spoilage.

The collected berries are dried or frozen. Drying can be carried out in electric dryers for fruits and berries, in the oven or in the air, spreading them out in a thin layer. Drying temperature is not higher than 40 degrees. After drying the berries (when they wrinkle a little), the temperature can be increased to 70 degrees. To dry evenly, the berries must be turned over periodically.

Drying of leaves and twigs is carried out similarly to berries. When air-drying, they are laid out in the shade in a well-ventilated area.

Dried berries and leaves can be stored for up to two years.

When freezing berries use containers or bags. You can first (if possible) lay out the berries in a thin layer, no higher than 2.5 centimeters, on a pallet and, after the berries freeze slightly, transfer them to a container with a lid.

Preparations for the winter from blueberries

Like any berries, it is better not to subject blueberries to prolonged heat treatment so as not to lose some of the nutrients. Therefore, it is better to freeze the berries. But if this is not possible, then the best way is to twist it with sugar.

Washed and dried from water, the berries are crushed with a meat grinder or blender and mixed with sugar. For 1 kg of berries take 1.2-1.5 kg of sugar.

Pureed berries are stacked with clean sterilized jars, not reaching the edge of about 1.5 centimeters. Top with sugar. Close with a lid or parchment. Store in a cool place.

Juice. The best way to squeeze juice is with a juicer. To preserve juice, 80 grams of sugar are taken per 1 liter of juice. Heated to a temperature of 80 degrees and poured into hot sterile jars. Sealed hermetically. Store in a cool place.

Cultivation of blueberries

Many amateur gardeners grow this berry shrub in their garden. When buying seedlings, you need to choose those that are in a container with a peat mixture, as blueberries do not take root well.

Weak seedlings are best kept until planting on a windowsill or greenhouse.

Shrubs are planted at a distance of one and a half, two meters from each other. In addition, it can be grown in a wooden, plastic barrel or container. At the bottom of the tank, you first need to pour a layer of drainage and then the peat mixture. Blueberry is a frost-resistant crop. Therefore, she easily tolerates winter frosts. In the wild, it can withstand temperatures down to minus 50-56 degrees.

It reproduces vegetatively by young cuttings or seeds. During seed propagation, ripe berries are kneaded and the seeds are removed. Before sowing, stratification must be carried out for at least three months.

They are sown to a depth of one centimeter. Sprinkle on top with a mixture of peat and sand in a ratio of 3: 1. For seed germination, the temperature should be 23-25 degrees. Seedlings grown from seeds begin to bear fruit for 7-8 years.

In the first year after planting young seedlings, no additional fertilizers are required. In the second and third year, nitrogen fertilizers should be applied in the spring. Then the seedlings are transplanted to a new place.

You can get the first harvest of berries faster when propagated by root offspring. To do this, in the fall, after harvesting, young offspring must be separated from the main plant. For a month they are placed in cool room with a temperature not higher than 1-5 degrees.

Then they are planted in a substrate of sand and peat. At good care the first berries from such bushes can be harvested after three years.

Like raspberries, root system blueberry is located shallow. Therefore, when leaving, you need to be careful not to damage it. Every year, the soil under the bush needs to be mulched with peat, fertilized and watered in a timely manner.

In the spring it is necessary to remove old and dry branches. It must be remembered that this northern berry and she does not like the scorching sun.

To increase the yield, you need to plant several blueberry bushes and preferably different varieties.

In the regions of the Northern Hemisphere, the tundra, in swamps and peat bogs, a berry grows, according to appearance similar to blueberries, but with a slightly sour taste. In the scientific literature, a perennial shrub is called this: blueberry. The beneficial properties and contraindications of the berry have been studied and are not at all comparable. The value of the plant for human health is very high, the only warning: people with cardiovascular diseases overuse berries are not recommended.

Description

Peaty-sandy soil is considered an ideal basis for growing blueberries. The sweet and sour fruits of the shrub are similar in shape and color to blueberries. The plant can be found both in the wild and among domesticated varieties.

Shrub unpretentious during growth, frost-resistant and non-painful. Half a meter - maximum length plants, however, there are also tall varieties. For example, garden blueberries, whose properties are identical common berry, reaches a height of 2 meters and from one bush yields an average of 7 kg. Varieties of shrubs differ in different taste and fruit size.

The berries are used in fresh and culinary. Blueberries are among the ingredients in traditional medicine recipes. Useful properties are not only the berries of the bush, but also the leaves and branches. The energy value is 40 kcal. The shelf life of intact berries is small - from three to seven days.

The chemical composition of fruits

From organic matter 100 grams of the product is dominated by carbohydrates. The main trace elements: mono- and disaccharides, fiber, calcium, organic acids, potassium.

The plant living in the North has great importance for the health of people living in these areas, since it contains up to 20 mg of ascorbic acid in 100 grams of dark blue berries.

An insignificant amount of vitamins B1, B2, PP is stored in blueberries. The beneficial properties and contraindications of the berry were known even by the Indians, they considered it sacred and sent to their people during a famine in order to avoid children's lack of bread.

The presence of pectin makes the plant popular among food products struggling with the excretion of radioactive elements from the body. plant pigment that colors blueberries Blue colour, anthocyanin, acts as a shield against cancer and is a powerful antioxidant.

Blueberry: medicinal properties

The high antioxidant potential of the berry helps fight diseases caused by the presence of free radicals in the body, such as heart attack, cancer, and stroke. Frequency colds minimized with regular blueberry consumption. The high content of ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system and puts the berry on a pedestal natural medicines for protection against viruses and avitaminosis.

Data

Berries are credited with the narcotic properties of wild rosemary. This is because blueberry bushes grow next to marsh dope. From here came the unflattering names of the berry: water drinker, gonobobel, fool, drunkard, blue grapes. The smell of dope when picking blueberries can intoxicate the human mind, so it is not recommended to stay near the plant for a long time.

The second fact confirming the medicinal properties of blueberries is based on an experiment on mice in which inflammation was artificially induced. vascular walls characteristic of a disease such as atherosclerosis. For eight weeks, the animals were given blueberry extract in a volume corresponding to two glasses of blueberries. At the end of the study, conclusions were drawn about the beneficial effect of blueberries on the vascular walls. Positive effect was achieved due to the presence of polyphenols.

Cultivated tall blueberries are considered a symbol of New Jersey. And one more fact: the life of a shrub is 100 years.

Selection and storage

A naturally occurring, silvery coating that other foods may describe as not quite fresh is hallmark blueberries, signaling the right choice of berry.

Proper storage of berries is a guarantee of its safety. medicinal properties. Saves only fresh blueberries useful properties and contraindications. No jam and compotes will deliver to the human body that complex of vitamins, macro- and microelements that the use of fresh, frozen or dried berries gives health.

Unwashed fruits can lie in the refrigerator in a container for up to 7 days. Before eating, rinse the berries under running water.

It is better to freeze blueberries on a baking sheet until the berries are completely cooled, which can then be transferred to a bag without fear of getting frozen jam.

Cosmetology

A product that supports beauty not only from the inside, but also from the outside, used by the cosmetology industry in the formulations of care products, this is blueberries again. Useful properties of berries for external beauty based on whitening and skin cleansing, plus everything - on protection from ultraviolet radiation.

The plant is used in anti-inflammatory treatments for the skin, eliminating oily sheen and acne. Elemental masks from the forest treasury are easy to prepare and available for home use.

A strained decoction of the leaves of a shrub can be frozen in cubes and rubbed daily with them on the face. With profuse sweating of the limbs, it is also recommended to wipe the hands and feet with blueberry water.

How to include more blueberries in your diet?

The properties of blueberries that positively affect health make us think about additional possibilities for including dark-gray fruits in the diet. Shrub ripens by the end of summer, and then in severe, northern conditions, so in stores you can most often find frozen or canned berries. Blueberry Healthy Snack Ideas:

A new taste will be given by fruits added to oatmeal, yogurt or pancakes stuffed with berries.
Fruit salad of apples, bananas, orange and blueberries, seasoned with low-fat yogurt, will become great alternative creamy dessert made from heavy cream.
Salad from dried berries, spinach, walnuts and feta cheese.
Drinking yogurt or milk with grated blueberries can be safely called a “Health” cocktail.
Blueberry syrup for muffins, muffins, pancakes and hash browns.

Recipes

Low-calorie blueberries, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are discussed above, are used not only in diet recipes, but also for the preparation of alcohol, marshmallows, mousses and culinary delights.

Due to the presence of pectin, blueberry dishes become jelly-like. For marshmallow, pour 1 kg of fruit with a glass of water and boil for 15 minutes. Then, half a kilogram of sugar is added to the mixture rubbed through a sieve and put on fire for another half hour. Poured into molds semi-finished marshmallow and dried in the oven.

Jam from dark-gray fruits can be cooked from blueberries in half with blueberries. It is important that the berries remain intact. For this, a kilogram of fruit is laid out in boiling water. sugar syrup prepared from 1 kg of sugar, and the mixture is infused for 4 hours. After it is boiled until cooked and rolled into jars.

To make a blueberry pie, you need to beat one hundred grams of butter with three eggs, a glass of sugar and three glasses of flour. The resulting shortbread dough is laid out in a mold with sides. Inside the mold, on top of the dough, a filling of blueberries is laid out, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon to taste. The dessert is baked for 30 minutes in the oven.

As you can see, blueberries bring a lot of benefits not only in medicine, but also as an ingredient for gourmet dishes.

Blueberries are used for medicinal or culinary purposes - their beneficial properties and contraindications for the body are relevant during the period of fruit collection. Infusion, fruit drink from blue fruits are used. Useful properties are berries for men, women, children. For recent contraindication is a large number of fruits eaten at one time.

What does a blueberry look like

A small forest shrub from the heather family reaches a height of a meter or 30-50 cm, the stem can be creeping. It blooms with small five-toothed flowers, the fruits are juicy round-elongated bluish-violet berries with edible pulp up to 12 mm in size. Blueberry bushes are confused with blueberries, their main difference is a woody stem, larger light berries of the former. Blueberries are slightly sweeter and have a purple-red juice that tends to get your hands dirty.

Where does it grow

In Russia, blueberries or pigeons grow in areas from the Arctic to the Caucasus. The further south, the more often it is found in wetlands. The shrub is unpretentious, even on poor acidic soils it bears fruit well. The creeping variety grows in conflagrations, clearings, there are species of swamp, water and undersized blueberries. In America, a tree-like variety is grown, which is convenient for harvesting fruits. Cultivated garden blueberries are characterized by an increased size of berries, a sweeter taste, early ripening plants.

blueberry calories

The energy value of healthy blueberries is 40 kcal per 100 g of product. Such a low calorie content is due to the content of sugars and fiber, the minimum content of proteins and fats. Berries contain organic acids, pectins, coloring, tannins, vitamins C, PP, K, A, group B, essential amino acids. The composition contains magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. Regular use fresh fruits brings many benefits, but there are also contraindications for taking berries.

Beneficial features

antipyretic, anti-inflammatory effect, getting rid of colds;
recovery of the body after illness;
positive action on cardiovascular system, strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
lowering cholesterol, blood pressure;
reducing the risk of malignant tumors, cancer;
favorable influence on gastrointestinal tract, improved metabolism;
normalization of the pancreas, a decrease in acidity gastric juice with gastritis;
lowering blood sugar levels in the treatment of diabetes mellitus;
withdrawal of radioactive metals, protection of nerve cells from destruction;
relieving eye strain, improving vision;
defence from age-related changes memory, increased concentration;
weight loss with overweight body.

Leaves

Valuable plant steroids and tannins were found in the leaves of the berry. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, reduce high blood pressure. Decoction from blueberry leaves lowers high temperature, normalizes intestinal health, serves as a means of preventing cancer. Herbal teas on the leaves save from constipation, eliminate joint pain, have healing effect.

Berries

fresh fruits useful for older people with pancreatic diseases, vision problems. Fresh Juice or blueberry juice lowers blood sugar levels, restores vision, and prevents glaucoma from developing. Other beneficial properties of berries:

magnesium in the composition soothes, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease;
blueberries contain vitamins K, PP and P, which reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, support the function of blood coagulation;
juice protects the body from harmful radioactive radiation, bad ecology.

Benefits of blueberries for women

In addition to the protective properties in case of poor ecology, the effect of preventing the occurrence of beriberi and protecting all body systems, in women useful berry finds next application:

pulp masks prolong youth, restore collagen fibers, cleanse and whiten the skin;
blueberries are useful for weight loss - they are low-calorie, enhance the secretion of gastric juice, a dietary product can be included in desserts or combined with cereals;
juice from 300 grams of fresh blueberries is able to satisfy daily allowance in vitamins, it is considered much more valuable than pomegranate;
during pregnancy, the fruits provide the body folic acid, ascorbic acid prevents the penetration of infections, magnesium improves sleep and calms the nervous system;
useful trace elements in the composition, they normalize mood swings before menstruation; when carrying a fetus, they form the baby's neural tube.

Blueberries while breastfeeding

Morse, leaf infusion, blueberry decoction and juice are useful during lactation and feeding a newborn baby:

natural antioxidants strengthen the immunity of mother and child;
helps to restore muscle tissues and cope with stretch marks after pregnancy;
vitamin PP provides normal functioning nervous system;
iron serves for the prevention and treatment of anemia, is absorbed completely;
calms the nerves;
pectin helps not to gain extra pounds;
contraindications for taking during lactation are a large number of consumed berries, which leads to diarrhea, bloating, the appearance of colic in the baby;
fruits should be introduced into the diet gradually - when the baby is three months old, try a few berries and, in the absence of allergies or diathesis, include them in the diet.

Wild blueberry is also called hemlock, stuffed cabbage, drunkard, blue grapes, water drinker or cocklebur for its frequent proximity to wild rosemary, the stupefying aroma of which became the reasons for such folk names. Numerous studies have established high medicinal qualities of blueberry juice.

Blueberry juice has a pleasant sweet and sour taste with a subtle aroma. Blueberry juice was recognized by American experts as the most useful among other juices, including pomegranate, apple and grape. Blueberry juice received such recognition of its usefulness for its antioxidant properties. Blueberry juice has been found to contain several times more antioxidants than other juices. In addition, blueberry juice is rich in natural compounds, which are distinguished by the presence of pronounced anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have found that the average daily requirement of vitamins for a person is covered by one serving of blueberry juice. Blueberry juice is a real source mineral salts, organic acids and vitamins A and C, in addition, the juice contains various sugars, fiber, pectins, tannins and dyes. Due to the content of vitamin C in blueberry juice, it has long been known in the Far North as an antiscorbutic agent. Fresh blueberry juice or blueberry decoctions are recommended as effective remedy in febrile conditions in patients. Blueberry juice is an excellent remedy for diabetics, promoting metabolism, stimulating the whole body, accelerating tissue healing and acting as a catalyst in cases of the use of drugs that reduce blood sugar levels.

When studying the effect of blueberry juice on diabetes, it was found that regular consumption of the juice contributes to a measurable decrease in blood glucose levels. After three days after the start of drinking blueberry juice, the level of glycemia in patients decreased by thirty-five percent.

Blueberry juice is rich in many physiologically active substances, including phenolic compounds. The flavonoids contained in the juice help to reduce the permeability and increase the strength of the vascular walls, favorably affect the absorption of vitamin C, stimulate redox processes and the work of internal secretion.

Blueberry juice is recommended to be used as a tonic and stimulant metabolic processes facilities. Besides, positive influence blueberry juice has in cases of disruption of the intestinal tract and stomach, stimulating the secretion of gastric juices.

Blueberries are classified as shrubs. In its structure and structure, the plant resembles blueberries. But unlike its "relative" and lingonberries, the blueberry bush is considered a little higher. The average height of a shrub can reach up to 40 cm. Long and extremely branched shoots, as well as the structure of the leaves, also indicate a close relationship of the plant with blueberries. The main advantage of blueberries is their frost resistance and durability. Many plants are able to live up to 100 years. During the flowering period, the shrub is covered with small flowers of a delicate white-pink hue. Already ripened fruits have a clear blue color. It occurs due to the fact that a wax coating appears on the fruits.

Another difference between blueberries and blueberries is the absence of a coloring pigment. This allows you not to be afraid that after eating the berries your hands and mouth will acquire a blue or other hue. The fruit is made up of pulp. greenish color. You should not literally compare blueberries and blueberries, if only because of the rare location of the leaf mass on the branches of the shrub. You can simply compare the fruits of two plants and understand that blueberries are clearly larger in size. In addition, the compared fruits are also different in taste.

Since the shrub perfectly tolerates severe frosts, it can be found both in the mountains and in forest thickets relative to marshland. The harsh conditions of the forest-tundra and tundra are also suitable for the plant. As a "neighbor" in the area, blueberries often choose blueberries and wild rosemary. Due to its close proximity to the last plant, blueberries have been given many other names, such as "durnik", "drunk berry", "drunkard".

The flowering period is at the beginning of the summer season. At the same time, it lasts about 10 days. Blueberries are usually ready to be harvested in July, so often the harvest is combined with the collection of another berry - blueberries. Buying this berry in the store is extremely difficult task. In ordinary forests, it grows irregularly, and it is usually collected only for personal purposes. You can only hope for a good blueberry harvest if the summer is rainy enough for this.

Procurement and storage

Collection of fruits is carried out using a special tool - a comb. After the harvest of blueberries is over, they begin to harvest it for the winter. The procurement period, starting in July, ends in September. fresh berries can go to the preparation of various fruit dishes and homemade yoghurts. Even in recipes often blueberries are found with blueberries or lingonberries.

In order for the fruits to be able to retain all their useful properties, it is necessary to subject them to conservation. For example, when frozen, berries retain their qualities and taste for a sufficiently long time, but you should not leave them for a long time. useful product in a refrigerator. Best of all, have time to use it before the next season of harvesting. Berries can also be soaked. Even inside glass jars the berry in all its characteristics remains fresh. For these purposes, it is better to take containers of half a liter.

As another method of preservation, you can choose to make blueberry jam. Raw materials placed in a similar sugar syrup can be kept in the refrigerator from one and a half to two years. Drying, although a less popular option, is used when harvesting blueberries for winter period. To do this, you can use several techniques with the help of special equipment. Candied can be offered as an alternative for drying. Similar Method allows you to keep the freshness of the fruit up to a year.

Application in everyday life

Most often, berries are consumed raw and canned, but this does not prevent them from being added to various desserts and cereals. Kissels and compotes made on the basis of blueberries are especially popular.

Since blueberries as a product have been studied very poorly, there are no reliable facts of its use in any other capacity. Although blueberry decoctions have long been taken by the Russian-speaking population in the form of a tonic drink.

Some people also use blueberry leaves in everyday life to fight diabetes with them. For women, infusions and decoctions from this plant are useful in the presence of leukoplakia. This ailment difficult to treat, so the internal and external use of berry derivatives is one of the few ways to defeat the disease.

Composition and medicinal properties

This berry is extremely useful, first of all, for its nutritional value. Blueberries contain a large amount of sugar and organic substances. Due to the considerable content of pectin substances in fruits, the body is cleansed of harmful compounds, which are based on heavy metals. This works especially fruitfully in the case of cobalt and strontium.
Normalization of metabolism, as well as the work of the entire circulatory system carried out at the expense of micro and macro elements included in the berry. Blueberry shoots are used in medicinal purposes just because they have high concentration tannins.
For female representatives, blueberries have in store at least useful elements are called antioxidants. They are designed to effectively fight the oncoming aging process. This becomes possible due to the removal of free radicals from the body.
Blueberry juice is extremely popular in medicine. With it, the body can be brought into the appropriate tone. In addition, it is with him that you can normalize everything in life. necessary processes the vital activity of the organism. Regular use natural juice in particular, it will help to cope with problems arising from the work of the stomach and intestines. His unique composition promotes the natural formation of gastric juice. Blueberry infusion is extremely useful for people who have signs of gastritis, which has low acidity.
Blueberry not only helps to maintain elasticity and not withering of the skin, but also keeps it from aging. nerve cells organism as a whole. This berry has little protection from a low dose of radio emissions.
Thanks to his chemical composition, blueberries can be included in the diet for diabetics. This product contributes to the effective reduction of blood sugar. In addition, decoctions of this berry due to great content vitamin C can be used as medicinal product of natural origin against the common cold.

Application in traditional medicine

Representatives alternative medicine evaluate the possibilities of blueberries at a sufficient level. However, due to the fact that this plant also has such a popular nickname as “drunkard”, traditional healers do not recommend consuming the berry in large quantities.

kidney decoction

The beneficial qualities of the berry are mainly aimed at making a variety of decoctions, which in the future are excellent help in violation of the renal processes, and also normalize the work of the pancreas. Brew 50 grams of berries (fresh or dried) in 0.5 liters of water, leave to cool and drink during the day between meals.

General strengthening decoction and how to prevent oncology

Also, with regular use of berries, you can activate the normal activity of other glands responsible for internal secretion. Based on this, it follows that decoctions based on blueberries can successfully carry out prevention against various tumors in organism. Mash a glass of blueberries and cook compote in 2 liters of water with a glass of sugar added. Drink throughout the day

Blueberries for weight loss

Blueberries have versatile palatability, which is why many women like to include this nutritious berry in their diets. At the same time, the product is considered low-calorie, given the fact that 100 g of berries contain only about 60 kcal. In many diets, one meal is suggested to be replaced with this one. healthy dish: 150 grams of cottage cheese, tsp honey and a handful of fresh blueberries. Normalizes the natural cleansing of the body, promotes weight loss.

Treatment of rheumatism

With rheumatism and atherosclerosis ethnoscience also suggests taking blueberries. Sufficient quantity iron and calcium helps to compensate for the lack chemical elements in organism. At the same time, berries allow the body to get such important trace element, like vitamin K. It is enough to eat 50-80 grams of berries in any form per day. Can be added to meat dishes to give flavor.

Blueberries to improve eyesight

If eating blueberries is turned into good habit, then it is possible to achieve good result in relieving eye strain. With constant stress on vision, this product should be in the human diet without fail. In addition, in some cases, berries can help restore vision, but this is done extremely slowly. traditional healers claim that adding blueberries to your daily diet can help treat vision with a diagnosis of glaucoma - eat 2 tablespoons of berries sprinkled with sugar per day.

Decoction to strengthen blood vessels

The unique composition of blueberries is also able to resist varicose veins. It is worth remembering that it is vitamin K that is responsible for the normalization of the blood coagulation process in the body. Therefore, people who have some kind of surgical intervention are required to accept natural preparations containing blueberries. In the future, after the operation, the intake of blueberries does not stop, but on the contrary, it is taken for some more time. This is necessary so that all wounds and injuries in the body heal safely. Brew two sprigs with leaves in a glass of water, drink three times.

Blueberry leaf decoction to treat diarrhea

Make a strong infusion - 3-4 stalks (or a tablespoon dried herb) brew 200 ml of boiling water in a thermos. Insist 3 hours. Strain and drink immediately.

Dried berries and decoction to strengthen immunity

During the period of beriberi, as well as immune weakening the body does not hurt to take dried blueberries as food additive into fresh tea.

Dried berry tea for diabetes and its prevention

Such an infusion reduces the sugar level: mash 20 grams of dried berries and keep in a glass of water in a water bath (or in an oven) for 15 minutes. Cool and drink the liquid. If there are no gastrointestinal diseases, it is also useful to eat berries.

Contraindications for use

It should be as accurate as possible to calculate the daily dose of blueberries in one form or another. A significant excess of the established limits can lead to the appearance of symptoms similar to alcohol poisoning body: vomiting, headaches and nausea.
Extreme caution should be exercised when using blueberries during pregnancy and lactation. Increased content in the blood, the substances that make up this berry may not cause much harm to the mother, but their action can negatively affect the child's body, leading him to a severe form of intoxication.
It is also worth refusing to consider natural product if there are signs of biliary dyskinesia.