Blueberries: beneficial properties, description and photos

The benefits and harms of blueberries and their effect on the human body have been studied by scientists from different countries. Everyone agreed that the berry is incredibly healthy in reasonable quantities. The properties of fruits and their effect on the human body will be discussed in the article.

Where do blueberries grow?

A low blueberry bush with purple fruits grows throughout almost the entire northern hemisphere. The unpretentious culture has adapted to rocky soils, dry terrain, swamps, forests and even tundra.

The geography of blueberry growing areas is large:

Altai region;
Caucasus;
Ural region;
Far East;
Siberia;
North America;
Spain, etc.

Chemical composition and calorie content of blueberries

The popularity of using fruits in traditional medicine, cosmetology, and cooking is due to their valuable composition. The peculiarity of the berry is its ability to retain vitamins and microelements beneficial to the body even after heat treatment.

100 g of fruit contains:

20 mg ascorbic acid;
0.02 mg riboflavin;
0.01 mg thiamine;
0.4 mg vitamin E and niacin;
0.3 mg niacin.

Among other things, the berries are enriched with the following microelements:

magnesium;
calcium;
potassium;
phosphorus;
iron;
sodium

Reference! The fruits are enriched with a large number of acids of organic origin (acetic, citric, benzoic, oxalic, malic).

The calorie content of fresh blueberries meets the requirements of all diets. 100 g of berries contain only 39 kcal, and also:

0.5 g fat;
1 g protein;
6.6 g carbohydrates;
2.5 g dietary fiber;
87.7 g water.

What are the benefits of blueberries for the body?

The beneficial properties of berries are due to the effect on the human body of valuable amino acids, large amounts of pectin, and polyphenols. The minerals contained in the fruit help strengthen the immune system, which increases the body's resistance to viruses and infections.

For women

The beneficial properties of blueberries were appreciated not only by doctors, but also by cosmetologists. The fruits contain substances that restore the strength of collagen fibers. Masks based on berries whiten the skin, remove toxins and excess water from the upper layers of the epidermis, which effectively eliminates problems with puffiness.

Among other beneficial properties of fruits for the female body:

stabilization of the psycho-emotional background and nervous system;
normalization of the menstrual cycle;
strengthening the functioning of the endocrine glands;
stimulation of metabolic processes in the body.

The benefits of blueberries for the body are explained by the content of substances important for female organs in the fruit: folic acid, antioxidants, iron, phosphorus, etc.

For men

Men should also include blueberries in their diet. Useful, nutritious multivitamins and acids normalize the functioning of the genitourinary organs, increase potency, and support sexual function. The berry is an excellent remedy for prostatitis, is used to prevent diseases of the genitourinary tract, and effectively strengthens the body's protective functions.

Regular consumption of blueberries fills the male body with energy and improves vision. Remedies based on the healing fruit help stabilize the nervous system and get rid of depressive mood. The content of rutin and esculin in the fruit pulp helps cleanse blood vessels and increase their elasticity.

Reference! You can learn more about the benefits of blueberries by clicking on the link:

At what age can blueberries be given to children?

If you supplement your child’s diet with a small amount of berries, there will be no need to worry about a cold. Blueberry fruits contain most of the microelements and vitamins necessary for a growing body. Nutrients stimulate brain activity, strengthen tooth enamel, and protect the retina from the stress of reading books or working on a computer.

According to pediatricians, it is better to give berries to children from 2-3 years old and always in small portions. This precaution is explained by the high risk of allergies and the effect on the digestive system. In babies, it is not thoroughly formed, so diarrhea, intestinal dysbiosis and other problems may occur.

Can blueberries be consumed by pregnant women?

The period of bearing a child is not a contraindication to eating blueberries. But the amount of berries should be limited due to the fact that they can cause headaches, nausea or an allergic reaction.

The health benefits of blueberries for pregnant women are truly invaluable:

beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system;
helps reduce blood pressure;
prevents the development of varicose veins;
cleansing the body of heavy metals and toxins;
relaxation of the ciliary muscle, which relieves tension from the eyes.

Among other things, the berry enriches the body with beneficial microelements necessary for the health of the expectant mother and baby.

Reference! Before consuming blueberries during pregnancy, you should first consult with your doctor.

Blueberries during breastfeeding

There are discussions about the introduction of berries into the diet during breastfeeding. On the one hand, doctors do not advise giving fruits to children before the age of 2, which is due to the effect of the product on the fragile digestive system. On the other hand, there are no strict prohibitions on the use of blueberries by nursing women. The limit is set by the pediatrician, taking into account the health status and characteristics of the baby’s body.

If you decide to introduce blueberries into your diet, then this should be done gradually, starting with a few berries. Each time after using them, you should monitor the baby’s behavior, the condition of the mucous membranes and skin.

Reference! New mothers are recommended to consume blueberries three times a week, 50-100 g at least an hour before feeding the baby.

Medicinal properties of blueberry leaves

Blueberry leaves are no less valuable for medicine than the berries.This is due to its unique composition, which includes tannins and plant steroids.

Based on the leaves of the plant, preparations are made that have the following effects:

stabilize blood pressure;
reduce temperature;
normalize intestinal function;
relieve the inflammatory process;
strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Blueberries are used for diabetes, the treatment of gastritis and enteritis, and the prevention of colds.

The use of blueberries in folk medicine

Blueberries have long been used for medicinal purposes by folk healers. Healing tinctures and decoctions were made from fresh or dried fruits, giving the body strength in the fight against disease. Until now, in parallel with traditional therapy, recipes for home remedies are used that enhance the effect of pharmacological agents.

Berry juice

With the help of freshly squeezed berry juice, you can quickly tone the body, normalize the functioning of vital processes, and strengthen the immune system. Its regular use effectively eliminates problems with the digestive system and intestines. The drink is recommended for people who have signs of gastritis or have low acidity. The unique properties of the berries help to reproduce gastric juice in a natural way.

Dried blueberry tea

For diabetes and to prevent the disease, tea based on dry blueberry fruits is used. The uniqueness of the product lies in its ability to reduce blood sugar. Tea is prepared from 20 g of dried berries and 200 ml of water, brewed using a water bath (15 minutes). You need to drink the cooled liquid.

Decoction of branches with leaves

To strengthen blood vessels and prevent varicose veins, it is recommended to take a decoction for a month, which is prepared from a twig with two leaves. They need to be poured with a glass of boiling water and left to brew for 30-40 minutes under a closed lid. Drink the product in three doses.

Facial masks at home

Cosmetologists often use masks based on fresh berries in their work, blueberries are no exception. The fruits have a beneficial effect on the skin due to the following properties:

the presence of antioxidants that rejuvenate the epidermis;
antimicrobial effect helps eliminate blemishes such as acne and blackheads;
ability to remove excess water and toxins;
enrichment of the cellular layer of the skin with nutrients;
restoration of the structure of collagen fibers.

Blueberries can be used at home to rejuvenate facial skin, nourish and tone it. A great variety of mask recipes have been developed based on the berry.

Option No. 1: for moisturizing

Liquid honey, fresh berries and cottage cheese, taken in equal quantities, are mixed thoroughly. Apply a thick layer to cleansed facial skin. The action time of the components is 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice a week.

Option No. 2: for skin rejuvenation

Mix a tablespoon of starch with 10 blueberries, a small amount of lemon juice and the same amount of olive oil. Apply the prepared mixture to all areas of the face and décolleté (except for the area around the eyes). Place a gauze napkin on top and soak it with the remaining product. After 20 minutes, the mask can be washed off. The frequency of the procedure is 2 times a week.

Option number 3: for oily skin

Beat the egg white into a foam, add orange essential oil (5 drops), 3 drops of lemon oil, 10 crushed blueberries. Use the mask every other day for two weeks.

Option number 4: against acne

Wipe your face with a cotton pad moistened with blueberry juice. Soak a gauze napkin with berry nectar and apply to the treated area for 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure daily for 10 days.

What can you make from blueberries?

Blueberries are also of interest to culinary experts. An incredible number of delicious and unusual dishes are prepared from the fruits, which are enjoyed by adults and children alike. Among the popular ones:

cottage cheese;
vareniki;
jelly;
tartlets with berries;
compote;
Berry pie;
cheesecake;
berry pudding;
smoothie;
fruit drink;
muffins and more etc.

During the cold season, it is useful to have a tea party with your household or friends. blueberry jam. The berry leaves a pleasant aftertaste, fills the body with energy, and increases the level of serotonin - the hormone of happiness.

When to pick and how to store blueberries

Technical ripeness of blueberries falls in the period August-September. Ripe berries retain a presentable appearance on the bush for a long time, so harvesting lasts until frost.

You can store blueberries in different ways, but preference should be given to the following technologies:

freezing (the fruits are first sorted, washed and dried);
drying (clean berries are placed in the dryer compartments or on a baking sheet and processed in the oven for about three hours at a temperature of 40°);
sprinkled with sugar (washed berries are sprinkled with sugar, mixed and poured into sterilized jars).

Dry fruits are placed in linen bags and kept in a room with low humidity.It is better to keep jars of “cold jam” in a cool place (refrigerator door, cellar, basement).

Harm of blueberries and contraindications

Berries are not recommended for consumption in the following cases:

during breastfeeding;
if there are allergic reactions of the body;
for stomach ulcers.

You shouldn't eat a lot of blueberries at one time. In large quantities, the berry provokes a malfunction of the digestive system, resulting in: bloating, diarrhea, and increased formation of gases in the intestines. In addition, fruit abuse provokes an increase in blood sugar levels.

You can harm your body by drinking black tea or coffee with fresh berries at the same time. This tandem is toxic. You can notice the consequences by the symptoms characteristic of poisoning:

nausea;
physical weakness;
headache;
vomiting.

Important! Berry picking should be done exclusively in ecologically clean regions. Blueberries have the ability to absorb radionuclides and other harmful substances contained in the soil.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of blueberries for the human body are balanced by the amount of berries consumed. The fruits of the crop are comparable to drugs that, in reasonable doses, help overcome various diseases