Exploring the beneficial properties of blueberries
Blueberry, the useful properties of which are undeniable, not only has a pleasant taste, but also has a large amount of vitamins and minerals. You can use it both fresh and as one of the ingredients in various dishes. However, not everyone can eat it: the berry has some contraindications.
The benefits of berries
- mineral salts;
- pectin;
- magnesium;
- iron;
- vitamins A, E, C, PP.
The listed elements have a beneficial effect on overall health: they help to strengthen the immune system, make the walls of blood vessels stronger and improve blood circulation, and reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
The magnesium contained in berries improves the functioning of the nervous system.
Experts have proven that blueberries have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects.
Also, berries are useful for various diseases. The beneficial properties of blueberries for diabetes mellitus are that they can reduce the amount of glucose in the blood.
The berry has a positive effect on the human digestive system, cleansing the body of toxins and toxic substances, stimulating the intestines. It is recommended to eat it not only for preventive purposes, but also as a remedy for disorders of the digestive system. Blueberries relieve symptoms of constipation and diarrhea.
The advantages of this gift of nature are the provision of mild diuretic and choleretic effects, the normalization of the kidneys and liver.
Blueberries have a beneficial effect on vision, improving it.
In the northern regions, the berry is used as a preventive measure against such serious diseases as anemia and scurvy. It resists the pathogenic action of the dysentery bacillus.
In the absence of contraindications, doctors recommend eating 1 glass of blueberries a day (in ice cream or fresh). This amount of berries contains the required daily dose of nutrients.
In the course of research on the beneficial properties and contraindications of blueberries, scientists have proven the unique ability of berries to slow down the aging of the brain, effectively protect the body from the negative effects of radioactive radiation.
Composition, calorie content of blueberries
In addition to information about what blueberries are good for, you should read information about the nutritional value of berries. It is a low-calorie, dietary product. The calorie content of blueberries is 39 kcal per 100 g. It is popular among people who follow a diet to maintain a slim figure.
The berries contain a large amount of liquid. 100 grams of blueberries contain:
- water - 87.7 g;
- carbohydrates - 6.6 g;
- proteins - 1 g;
- fats - 0.5 g.
The amount of nutrients (per 100 g) is impressive.
Minerals:
- potassium - 51 mg;
- calcium - 16 mg;
- phosphorus - 8 mg.
Vitamins:
- B1 (thiamine) - 0.01 mg;
- B2 (riboflavin) - 0.02 mg;
- E (tocopherol) - 1.4 mg;
- C (ascorbic acid) - 20 mg;
- PP (nicotinic acid) - 0.4 mg.
Harm
Despite their rich composition, blueberries can cause poor overall health. If you eat berries in large quantities (more than 500 grams), you may experience:
- diarrhea;
- bloating;
- vomiting;
- headaches.
When overused, the antioxidants they contain can reduce the amount of oxygen available to the muscles, which can often lead to poor health.
Children should not be given a lot of berries without first checking how the body will react to them. Blueberries can be dangerous when taking blood thinning medications because they have the opposite effect.
If consumed in moderation, this natural product is not capable of causing harm to health.
Useful properties and contraindications of blueberries for women
Blueberries have the unique ability to relieve postpartum stress. This is possible due to the fact that the berries activate the production of serotonin in the body. When they are included in the daily diet, women feel positive changes, improved mood.
Blueberries during pregnancy are an essential element of the diet, since berries will bring many benefits to both the woman and the unborn child. Here are some reasons for using this gift of nature:
- folic acid contained in berries is a valuable component that has a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus;
- Osteocalcin contained in fruits, which enters the body along with vitamin K, contributes to the normal development of the skeleton and bones of the fetus. This element, contained in blueberries, will be useful for women who have already given birth, since during pregnancy, the content of osteocalcin in the body decreases;
- blueberry berries are able to normalize the water-salt balance, which will help relieve puffiness, which cause quite a few problems for pregnant women;
- for women suffering from varicose veins, the symptoms of which are especially pronounced during the period of gestation, blueberries will help bring blood vessels back to normal, strengthening them and giving them elasticity.
Blueberries when breastfeeding, as in the period pregnancy, can be included in the diet only if this berry is well tolerated. The threat lies in the risk of intoxication in the child and an allergic reaction to the active trace elements contained in it.
After giving birth, a woman should not include blueberries in her diet for the first three months: due to the active effect of berries on the body. The child may have a dysfunction of the digestive system.
After childbirth, this natural product should be included in the diet gradually, eating several pieces 2-3 hours before feeding the baby. It is necessary to carefully monitor the baby's reaction, the work of his digestive system, the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. If within two days negative symptoms (increased gas formation, colic) did not appear, it is allowed to increase the daily dose to 100 grams of berries per day.
Much is known about the benefits and dangers of blueberries thanks to the work of scientists and doctors. Berries are very useful both as a preventive and as a remedy. Due to their unique properties and the components contained in their composition, they practically have no contraindications, except for the specific reaction of the body to berries.