Blueberries: useful properties and application

Today there is both wild and cultivated blueberry, the useful properties of which are appreciated by the inhabitants of most countries of the northern hemisphere. In nature, it grows in the forest and tundra zone, it is rich in fruit, so it is not difficult to assemble it. The fact that blueberries, useful properties of which made it very attractive, can become a garden plant, first thought American breeder F.V. Covill. His goal was reached in 1908, not the least role in this played the support of Elizabeth White, who provided for him his farm in New Jersey and material means.

The benefits of blueberries, of course, are due to the content in it of ascorbic and various organic acids, sugars, pectin substances, vitamins, proteins, fiber, carotene. Among macro- and microelements it is necessary to allocate potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, cobalt, iron, iodine, copper. Its fruits have a pleasant sweet and sour taste. The food is used for berries in fresh, slightly frozen, processed and dried form. Of them, jelly, compotes, fruit drinks, juices, pastille, light natural wines, jelly, jam are made.

Useful properties of blueberries have a multifaceted character. This berry helps in the fight against excess weight, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and the development of metabolic syndrome. There are studies showing that the juice of wild fruits improves the level of insulin and glucose in the blood.

And for the prevention of catarrhal and viral diseases, blueberry can also be used. Its useful properties from this point of view are due to the fact that it contains powerful antioxidants possessing antibacterial properties, and it stimulates the functioning of the immune system. It promotes the health of the genitourinary system, preventing the development of inflammatory processes. This is based on complex polymers that prevent the colony of the b-intestinal bacterium from developing on the walls of the urinary tract.

If you need to find a means to preserve youth, then this is blueberry. Its useful properties in this case are manifested in the process of neutralization of free radicals. This is due to the large content of vitamin C, blue pigments and anthocyanins. According to ophthalmologists, blueberry extract is saturated with specific compounds slowing down the process of vision deterioration. With the help of them, you can delay or even prevent many age-related problems with the eyes. In particular, anthocyanosides can serve as an effective means of preventing nearsightedness, farsightedness, cataracts, macular degeneration, infections and dryness affecting the retina.

Positively blueberries affect the health of the brain. Substances in its composition prevent neurotic disorders, death of neurons, cells. There is an opinion that this berry can help with Alzheimer's disease and keep the memory to a very old age. Blueberry helps maintain good functionality of the central nervous system. The compounds contained in it, such as pterostilben, ellagic acid, anthocyanin, have a preventive effect on certain cancers. In addition, blueberries help with constipation, being an effective laxative (if there is a lot of it).