Information that blueberries can weaken has long been known. Many often use this property of its berries quite successfully, but some are faced with the exact opposite effect. Is it possible and with what property, laxative or fixing, bilberry still possesses, read on.

The composition of blueberries

According to the USDA Nutrient Database, the nutritional value of 100 g of the berries in question is as follows:

• water - 84.2 g;
• proteins - 0.74 g;
• fats - 0.33 g;
• carbohydrates - 12.6 g;
• dietary fiber - 2.4 g;
• ash - 0.24 g;
• calorie content - 57 kcal.

Beneficial features

Among the dark berries, blueberries are a leader in the content of anthocyanins, substances that protect our body from the appearance of malignant neoplasms. They also have beneficial effects on blood vessels, stimulating them to expand, which is extremely important for hypertension. Polyphenols reduce lipid levels, which is why blueberries are often present on various diets. Neomyrtillin contained in leaves and young shoots has a hypoglycemic property, that is, it helps to reduce blood sugar.

Did you know? In Krasnovishersk (Russia), a blueberry festival is held annually. In 2012, a pie with this berry over 70 m long was baked here. It ended up in the Guinness Book of Records.

Thanks to this, regular consumption of fresh berries reduces the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Ascorbic acid, flavonoids, tannins are the main helpers in the fight against conjunctivitis, a drop in visual acuity and a worsening of the dark adaptation of the eyes. Substances increase blood circulation and improve the flow of blood to the retina, which in turn affects the elimination of a number of vision problems.

When blueberries are weak

Blueberries are saturated with fiber, which stimulates the intestines and promotes the movement of feces in the right direction. All this is due to the fact that blueberries leave the large intestine very quickly. Only fresh berries have such properties, and in order to achieve the desired effect, you need to eat a lot of them. From a few pieces, the laxative effect will be practically not noticeable.

In which cases it attaches

Dried fruits have the exact opposite effect. If you have too loose stools, it is enough to eat 3-5 dry berries and in a couple of hours noticeable improvements will be observed. The reason for this is tannins, the concentration of which increases significantly at drying. Not only dry berries, but also the leaves of the plant are able to fix.

How to use

Harvested in late June - early July. It is best to start work in the morning or evening. It is advisable to immediately put the collected fruits in a basket, so as not to pour from container to container, as their skin is very delicate and easy to damage.

Important! Before storing berries, washing is undesirable. It is enough to sort them out and remove the excess rubbish.

For this reason, the crop is recommended to be harvested by hand. Blueberries are stored frozen, or grated with sugar in equal proportions. You can dry it by drying it first in the shade and then in the oven at + 50–70 ° С.

With diarrhea

With severe indigestion, blueberry decoctions and infusions help. To prepare a decoction, 1 tbsp. l dry fruits pour 2 tbsp. boiling water and evaporate half the liquid in a water bath. Strain the remaining substance, cool. Use according to ¼ Art. three times a day before meals. The tool is effective for diarrhea, acute dysentery.It calms the gastrointestinal mucosa, lowers acidity, and relieves heartburn. The infusion is prepared from 4 parts of dried raw materials and 1 tbsp. boiled water at room temperature. You need to combine the ingredients in the evening, so that they are infused overnight. In the morning - strain and divide the liquid into several doses (3-4 times) during the day.

How laxative

Only fresh berry can weaken, therefore, with constipation, you need to use only it. If there are problems with emptying, doctors recommend taking no more than 100 g of fruit per day. It is desirable to divide this portion into 2-3 receptions.

Important! Blueberries should not be abused for chronic constipation. Better to pick another laxative.

Can I use it for children

With a laxative effect, blueberries can become a gentle and effective tool for the child's body. It also normalizes the digestive system, which is very necessary for disorders of an infectious nature. It should only be remembered that babies still have very weak stomachs, so fresh whole berries are a heavy product for them. They can be mashed from 7 months of age.From 18 months you can give whole fruits, up to 50 g per day. From the age of three, the portion can be increased to 1-2 glasses. You can also feed children from this age with jam. So, blueberries are a special berry: it can weaken and strengthen.