Blueberries grow especially at high altitudes, in the meadows. If we want to pick them, we have to connect their harvesting with doing some moderate physical activity such as hiking. However this underwent effort will be awarded back to us in form of these little berries full of vitamins and trace elements.
Nutritional composition of blueberries
This fruit means very significant source of vitamin C. Only one cup of blueberries provides us 14 mg of vitamin C what is more than daily recommended dose of 60 mg. Vitamin C is very important for proper processing of iron in our body, it protect our teeth and gums, strengthens the immune system and keep our skin looking healthy. A portion of blueberries also contains 100 mg of potassium that keeps the standard level of blood sugar and cholesterol. It contains vitamin A which is an essential component for normal growth and development as well as folic acid required for protein metabolism and red blood cells production.
Blueberries contain phytonutrients which help to protect our memory by stimulating the brain to be constantly active. The activity of our brain and thus the condition of our memory could be weaker along with the increasing of our age. If we include a portion of blueberries into our diet in time, we will help to keep healthy thinking and memory. Substances contained in blueberries help to destroy free radicals whose presence in our body might lead to a stroke or Alzheimer’s disease.
Our body needs for proper functioning of the intestines a daily intake of fiber that can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Most of us forget about this fact what might lead to a variety of healthy problems. A diet with high content of fiber may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some kinds of cancer. One cup of blueberries contains 3 grams of beneficial fiber.
The blue colour of blueberries is caused by the presence of antioxidants within them. Antioxidants help us to get rid of free radicals from our body. That is why the blueberries with their high amount of antioxidants always occupy the first places among the crops rich in antioxidants.
Using of blueberries in kitchen
Blueberries had always very important place in our grandmothers’ kitchen. They used to make a variety of marmalades, jams or spirits of them. Nowadays we might find them in yogurts, milk drinks, desserts or juices. If you suffer from diarrhea and diabetes, you should try to drink tea or mash made from blueberry leaves.
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