Content
The beneficial properties and contraindications of blueberries will be interesting to all lovers of delicious berries. Blueberries are appreciated not only for their taste, but also for their beneficial effects on the body.
Composition and nutritional value of blueberries
Blueberry berries are very small, but they contain a lot of nutrients necessary for the healthy functioning of the body. In particular, the product contains:
- iron and phosphorus;
- malic and benzoic acids;
- magnesium and calcium;
- oxalic and acetic acids;
- a full range of essential and more than a dozen nonessential amino acids;
- fiber;
- sodium and potassium;
- copper;
- tannins;
- essential oils useful for the body.
Blueberries also contain natural flavonoids and antioxidants, which have powerful regenerating and rejuvenating effects.
Vitamin content in blueberries
The vitamin composition of the product deserves special consideration. It contains:
- vitamins from subgroup B - from B1 to B6;
- vitamins A and E, important for skin health;
- nicotinic acid PP;
- quite rare vitamins H and K.
Contains the product and ascorbic acid, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, eating the berry is especially useful for strengthening the immune system.
How many calories are in blueberries
Juicy berries have a very low nutritional value. 100 g of fresh fruit contains only 40 kcal, and it is absolutely impossible to get better on berries.
Glycemic index and BJU content in blueberries
KBZhU blueberries are distributed rather unevenly. Most of the total volume of berries is occupied by carbohydrates, their fruits contain about 6.6 g. Also, berries contain 1 g of proteins and 0.5 fats, and more than 85 g in the fruit is water, which makes blueberries juicy.
As for the glycemic index of berries, it is equal to 36 units. The use of the product does not lead to sharp fluctuations in blood glucose and is quite safe even for people with high sugar levels.
What does blueberry taste like?
In taste, as well as in appearance, blueberries are very similar to blueberries - they are also sweet and with a pronounced sourness. But there are also differences between the berries - blueberries are characterized by great wateriness, and at the same time, the sweetness is felt in it much more than in blueberries.
The benefits and harms of blueberries for the body
It is not only pleasant to use the product, but also very useful. Small sweet berries:
- increase immune resistance and protect the body from the development of viruses and bacterial infections;
- fight inflammation in the body and symptoms of fever;
- improve digestive processes and eliminate constipation;
- accelerate metabolism and improve the functioning of the pancreas;
- remove from the body not only toxins and toxic substances, but also traces of heavy metals;
- lower glucose levels and help maintain healthy heart and vascular function;
- promote the processes of hematopoiesis;
- help the kidneys and relieve swelling;
- improve the condition of the skin and hair.
The product has anti-cancer properties, it is useful to use it to prevent the development of malignant tumors.
Why blueberries are good for men
For men, eating berries is useful for the prevention of diseases of the genitourinary system. The product prevents the development of prostatitis and prostate adenoma, helps to cope with inflammation. In addition, berries increase libido and help restore healthy sexual activity, which is especially true for older men.
The benefits of blueberries for a woman's body
Blueberries are especially beneficial for women, first of all, they help eliminate disruptions in the monthly cycle and improve hormonal levels. The berries also have a beneficial effect on the appearance of a woman - with the help of the fruits, you can get rid of acne and bruises under the eyes, regulate the production of subcutaneous fat and rejuvenate the skin of the face.
The beneficial properties and contraindications of blueberries for women are also reflected in the nervous system. With regular use of the product, mood rises, sleep becomes stronger and emotional instability goes away.
Is it possible to use blueberries during pregnancy
Blueberries during pregnancy are allowed to be added to the diet, but in limited quantities so as not to provoke digestive problems. The benefits of blueberries for pregnant women are that the berries contain a lot of calcium, which is valuable for the formation of the skeleton in the fetus, and vitamins that both the baby and the woman need.
Can blueberries be breastfed?
But during lactation, it is better to refuse to eat berries, at least in the first six months after childbirth. The product often causes allergies in babies, so it is too risky to return blueberries to the diet soon after the baby is born.
How old is blueberry for children?
Blue berries are very useful for young children, first of all, they strengthen the immune system and saturate the body with vitamins. The beneficial properties of blueberries for children are that the fruits protect children's eyesight from diseases and strengthen the tooth enamel, contribute to a good concentration of attention.
For the first time, blueberries can be offered to children upon reaching 2-3 years old and in small portions, at first only a few berries. The product often causes allergies, so you need to make sure that the child does not have an intolerance to berries. In addition, berries in large quantities can cause diarrhea and other digestive upsets.
Why are blueberries useful for the elderly?
It is especially recommended to include glaucous berries in the diet of the elderly. The product contains a lot of valuable vitamins and mineral salts and has several beneficial effects:
- strengthens the heart and blood vessels;
- serves as a choleretic and diuretic;
- has anti-sclerotic properties;
- regulates blood pressure and sugar levels.
Also in old age, people are especially prone to constipation and metabolic disorders. Blueberries solve these problems, as they promote healthy digestion and the rapid elimination of toxins from the tissues.
Useful properties of garden and forest blueberries for the body
The product benefits the entire body, but some of its properties deserve special consideration. It is due to them that the berry is so valued in the diet of adults and children.
Why blueberries are good for eyesight
The product contains a large amount of vitamin A, therefore, it is very useful to use it for the prevention of cataracts, glaucoma and myopia. The berry protects the eyes from the development of ailments, helps to maintain good vision, and prevents the development of irritations and inflammation of the eyes. Eating the fruits is especially recommended with frequent reading and many hours of staying at the computer.
Blueberries strengthen or weaken
The effect of the product on digestion depends on the form in which the berry is consumed. Dried blueberries and broths based on them contain an increased amount of tannins, so with the help of berries you can stop diarrhea and cope with stomach upsets.
At the same time, there are fewer tannins in fresh berries, their astringent properties are much lower, but there are many organic acids. Unprocessed fruits can be taken for constipation, in which case they will have a laxative effect.
Blueberries raise or lower blood pressure
The product lowers blood pressure, therefore it is especially useful for people suffering from hypertension. True, a berry cannot serve as a full-fledged strong medicine, if the pressure jumps often and very high, it would be wiser to resort to pharmacological drugs. But with slight fluctuations, blueberries from pressure help very well, you can eat it both to alleviate the condition and for the purpose of prevention.
Is it possible to have blueberries with diabetes
Since the glycemic index of the berry is low, it can be used for diabetes. The product will help prevent the development of complications associated with the disease - it will protect the pancreas from ailments, strengthen the heart and blood vessels, and prevent obesity.
In this case, it is necessary to observe the correct dosage of the product. The daily dose of berries should not exceed 300 g. And it is best to use blueberries fresh, unprocessed, this is how it retains the maximum amount of nutrients in its composition.
With pancreatitis
The beneficial properties and contraindications of forest blueberries during an exacerbation of the disease turn into a negative side. It is forbidden to eat the product, in gray berries, as in any others, there are too many organic acids that only irritate the diseased organ. The use of the product in case of acute inflammation of the pancreas will only lead to nausea, pain, diarrhea and severe complications.
But during the period of remission, eating gray berries is very useful, they will improve the production of digestive enzymes and help prevent another exacerbation. It is best to cook jelly, compotes and jelly based on blueberries. You can also eat fresh berries - no more than 3 small spoons a day, so as not to harm the body.
With bronchitis
Juicy blueberries contain a large amount of ascorbic acid and therefore are a good anti-cold remedy. Taking berries is good for lowering fever and boosting immunity. Also, the product is recommended for coughing and bronchitis - the berries act as a natural mucolytic and contribute to the liquefaction and removal of phlegm from the bronchi.
For medicinal purposes, you can use fresh berries, or you can prepare decoctions and compotes based on them.
With oncology
Blueberries contain the most important vitamins, as well as flavonoids and natural antioxidants. With regular use, berries promote tissue renewal at the cellular level, they rejuvenate the body, improve its protective resistance, and help fight negative processes.
With oncology, berries are able to suppress the growth of malignant cells and prevent the development of tumors.Both fresh berries and blueberry-based compotes will be of great benefit.
Blueberry application
Delicious juicy blueberries are used not only for the treatment and prevention of diseases. It is used in cooking and home cosmetology, as well as in slimming diets, the berry helps to maintain harmony.
In cooking
Many people just eat blueberries as fresh berries and enjoy their sweet, slightly sour taste. But in cooking, the product is used much more widely, on its basis many useful and tasty delicacies are prepared. For example, a berry is used in cooking:
- fruit drinks, compotes and jelly;
- smoothies;
- dumplings and curds;
- berry puddings and tartlets;
- cheesecakes and muffins;
- pies and pies;
- jelly and jam.
Blue berries can be added to ice cream - this will give the delicacy an unusual and very pleasant taste. Blueberry baked goods and berry jam are very suitable for use with weak tea, berries go well with most fruits and other berries. Gray berries on the table not only delight with fresh taste, but also improve mood, and also help to improve health in the autumn-winter period.
In cosmetology
Blueberries are often used for cosmetic purposes, due to their vitamin composition, they have a very positive effect on the skin when applied externally. Berry masks and scrubs:
- rejuvenate the skin due to the presence of antioxidants in the composition;
- have a cleansing effect and help fight acne, acne and blackheads;
- relieve puffiness of the face and improve color, as they remove toxins and toxins from skin cells;
- increase the elasticity of the epidermis and deeply nourish the skin of the face;
- normalize the production of subcutaneous fat and help fight fast pore clogging.
Blueberries in home cosmetic masks go well with fermented milk products and flakes, and can be used in most popular face masks.
When losing weight
The calorie content of blueberries is not at all large, so the berry is often included in dietary meals. Eating fruits does not lead to weight gain, but at the same time starts active fat burning processes.
For example, during a diet, you can replace breakfast or dinner with the following dish - mix 150 g of low-fat cottage cheese with a handful of blueberries and a teaspoon of honey. A healthy dish will help satisfy hunger, but it will not provoke fat deposition. Blueberries on a diet help maintain the right balance of vitamins and minerals in the body and not suffer from a deficiency of nutrients.
Limitations and contraindications
Useful bluish-blue berries can be harmful for certain diseases. Contraindications for the product include:
- stomach ulcer and pancreatitis in acute stages;
- gastritis with high acidity in a state of exacerbation;
- tendency to gas formation and bloating;
- individual allergy to berries;
- lactation - while breastfeeding, you should not feast on blueberries, this can harm the baby.
It is also recommended to observe small daily dosages of berries - if you eat too many tasty berries, this will lead to diarrhea. Fresh berries are not recommended for use with coffee and strong black tea, since the benefits and harms of blueberries in this case become ambiguous, and the combination can cause nausea.
Conclusion
The beneficial properties and contraindications of blueberries are very diverse.Although this berry cannot be considered very common, it has a beneficial effect on the human body and, if consumed regularly, can improve the condition even with chronic ailments.
