Many of the various healing and benefits that nature offers to people come together with us through food. Fruits, in particular, take their place at the top of the foods that every person from every age group should eat in terms of the vitamins they contain as well as their taste. One fruit that comes to mind when it comes to useful fruits is blueberry fruit, which is a natural antibiotic. This fruit, which is a storehouse of antioxidants, strengthens immunity, is good for memory and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Blueberries, also known as blue berries , consist of blue and black colors, resemble grapes in structure and shape, and can be described as a shrub fruit that grows in the Eastern Black Sea region of our country. Blueberries, which most people like to consume, are both a direct edible fruit and a favorite ornament of desserts and cakes. Along with this, it can also be preferred dried.
What are the Benefits of Blueberries?
Blueberries, which contain very strong antioxidant and cell renewing extracts, contain vitamin E and vitamin C . In addition to these; It contains potassium, zinc, folic acid and iron. Rich in content, this fruit fights against viruses and contains immune-boosting polyphenols. It has a fibrous texture and is very effective in regulating the digestive system and metabolism. We can list the benefits of blueberry fruit as follows;
- It has a low glycemic index, so it regulates blood sugar.
- Thanks to its antioxidant content, it strengthens memory and contributes to the repair of nerve cells.
- It contains plenty of vitamin C and is beneficial for the skin. Contributes to delaying premature aging.
- Contributes to keeping the digestive and intestinal system under control.
- Supports immunity, fights against viruses, bacteria and infections.
- It has protective properties against cancer.
How to Consume Blueberries?
Blueberry fruit can be consumed in a wide variety of ways. It can be preferred fresh or dried, and this fruit, which is very rich in content, can be consumed by adding it into cakes, cookies and many other desserts. You can make delicious salads with blueberries. The jam or puree consistency of this colorful fruit can be spread on toast and consumed as a tasting. The rich recipes that can be made with this unique delicious flavor can be listed as follows;
- Yogurt can be added on top of the wheat paste.
- It can be added to the ingredients to be used in making muesli bars.
- It can be eaten with cake.
- It can be served as a milkshake.
- It can be prepared as jam.
What Should Be Considered When Buying Blueberries?
It should have a smooth surface, the appearance of the peel on the top should be tense, this is the most important feature. Blueberry fruit that is very ripe and has a moldy appearance should not be preferred. This fruit should be stored in a glass jar. It is healthy to wash the fruits in plenty of water before consuming them. This very tasty fruit can be stored in the refrigerator bag in the freezer for a long time.
Blueberry fruit should not be used in excessive amounts. Excessive consumption can cause various problems. These fruits have blood thinning properties. Therefore, individuals taking blood thinners may be more prone to bleeding.
It has a blood-lowering effect, so individuals taking diabetes medication should be careful when consuming this fruit, there may be rapid decreases in blood sugar.
Supplementary foodstuffs containing this fruit; It may not be healthy to be used by children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. However, pregnant women can consume it provided that they do not exceed the daily consumption rate. It may interact with some medications and can be used under expert control. Making tea using the leaves of blueberry fruit is also recommended as a natural treatment method, but experts do not recommend this form of consumption because the extract of the leaves may be poisonous.