Content
Blueberry juice is one of the thirst-quenching drinks. Due to its composition, it is used not only in food production, but also in dietetics, cosmetology and medicine. You can prepare this drink at home - there are many recipes. Everyone can choose according to their preferences and goals.
The benefits and harms of blueberry juice
Like any other product, blueberry juice has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Benefit
The benefits of blueberry juice are due to its beneficial substances.
It is known that the product contains:
- vitamins: A, B, C, PP, E;
- trace elements: potassium, magnesium, iron, selenium, phosphorus, iodine, bromine, zinc and copper;
- antioxidants: carotenoids, flavonoids;
- organic acids: malic, oxalic, citric;
- pectins and tannins.
This fruit drink has more advantages than its analogues.
Like other drinks, blueberry juice quenches thirst well during hot weather. The product helps well in the prevention and treatment of various eye diseases. Regular consumption of blueberry juice helps strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infectious, viral, and bacterial diseases.Blueberries and products containing them help normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Blueberry juice improves metabolism in the human body. It helps with diets to reduce weight and improve the external condition of the body. The drink should be used in the prevention of diseases of the human genitourinary and nervous system.
Harm
Despite its positive qualities, blueberry juice can be harmful in a number of cases.
- Excessive consumption can disrupt metabolism.
- An allergy to the components of blueberry juice cannot be ruled out.
- The drink may be harmful for diabetics because it contains sugar.
- People suffering from various chronic diseases of the pancreas are prohibited from consuming this liquid.
It is worth considering the place where the berry grows. Using environmentally toxic blueberries to prepare fruit drinks can lead to cancer.
Nuances
To prepare high-quality blueberry juice, you should consider several points.
- Choose the right berries. They should be fresh and ripe, round in shape, rich in color, and odorless.
- Use only boiled water for cooking.
- Pay special attention to the dishes - they should not oxidize, so it is better not to use an aluminum container for this drink.
It is better to dissolve sugar in hot water before adding it to the liquid.
Blueberry juice during pregnancy
The berry and products made from it are beneficial for pregnant women.
Beneficial effect on pregnant women
Blueberry juice has a beneficial effect not only on the mother, but also on the baby himself. There are several reasons.
- The calcium in the composition improves the structure of the bone tissue of the woman and the developing fetus. Improves appearance, reduces fatigue.
- Normalizes the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
- Improves the body's resistance.
- Normalizes the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.
- Prevents the development of anemia due to the high iron content in blueberry juice.
- Normalizes stress resistance.
- Reduces unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy.
In addition, it prevents the development of cancer.
Negative consequences
Despite the benefits, blueberry juice has harmful properties.
- An allergic reaction and individual intolerance are possible.
- Excess calcium can lead to complications during childbirth.
- Excessive amounts of oxalic acid lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in a woman’s body.
Due to improper use of the product, kidney stones and problems with stool may appear before childbirth.
Terms of use
You need to drink blueberry juice 3 times a day, diluting it with water. You can drink no more than two glasses of this drink per day.
Blueberry juice recipes
There is a classic version of blueberry juice and several variations of this drink.
A simple blueberry juice recipe
Need to:
- berries – 0.15 kg;
- sugar – 0.15 kg;
- water – 1 l;
- sieve, bowl, pan, jar.
Cooking technique:
- Prepare blueberries: sort, rinse, dry thoroughly on a paper towel.
- Press the berries through a sieve, collecting the juice in a bowl.
- Cook the berry mixture over high heat until it boils, then reduce the heat.
- Cook for another 10 minutes.
- Strain the solution through cheesecloth.
- Add sand and mix.
Sterilize the jars and place the berry mixture in them. Close tightly with lids.
Spicy blueberry juice
There are 2 cooking options.
1 way
The following components will be required:
- berries – 0.3 kg;
- sugar or honey - to taste;
- water – 1.5 l;
- lemon – 1 piece;
- apples – 2 pieces;
- pan, jar.
Technique:
- Prepare blueberries: sort, rinse, dry thoroughly on a paper towel.
- Bring the water to boil and add freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add blueberries and bring to a boil. Add apples and cook until completely softened. Turn off the gas.
- Dissolve sweets in liquid.
Place the contents of the pan into sterilized jars and close.
Method 2
Need to:
- berries – 0.3 kg;
- sugar or honey - to taste;
- water – 1.5 l;
- cinnamon – 1 piece;
- star anise – 2 pieces;
- pan, jar.
Technique:
- Prepare the berries: sort, rinse, and dry thoroughly on a paper towel.
- Put the water to boil, add spices.
- Add blueberries and bring to a boil. Turn off the gas.
- Dissolve sweets in liquid.
Place the contents of the pan into sterilized jars and close.
With lemon juice and zest
Need to:
- berries – 0.11 kg;
- sugar or honey – 0.22 kg;
- water – 0.44 l;
- lemon – 6 pieces;
- capacity.
Technique:
- Prepare blueberries: sort, rinse, dry thoroughly on a towel.
- Peel the lemons, squeeze the juice, cut the zest.
- Pour water into the container. Add lemon zest and juice, add sugar. Mix.
- Grind the berries into a puree and add it to the container.
Mix. Close, put in the cold, and then in a dark place.
Terms and conditions of storage
The shelf life depends on the conditions of maintenance and production of the product.
Purchased fruit juice can be stored for up to three months, and opened packaging – no more than a day! In this case, the composition must contain at least 15% berry juice of the total volume of liquid. You can freeze it in the freezer, but within 3 hours, and then you need to transfer it to the refrigerator.
Blueberry juice prepared at home should be placed in a cool, dark place (temperature should be below room temperature) or in the refrigerator. The shelf life is short - up to 3 days. To increase shelf life, you can put the product in the freezer. You should know that you cannot refreeze the drink.
Permissible room humidity is 60-70%.
Conclusion
Blueberry juice is easy to prepare. The difficulty arises in proper storage. The temperature and humidity in the room must be observed. This drink is suitable for any snacks and desserts. And for the New Year's table it can be mixed with champagne or wine.
