Blueberries for diabetes

This is a moisture-loving berry that grows in the regions of the Northern Hemisphere in swamps, forests and near mountains. It is brought to our country mainly from the Far East, so you will rarely find the berry on sale. But if you do manage to stumble upon a dark blue berry with green flesh and a sickly sweet taste, you should not turn away from this natural medicine, which is actively used as part of a complex treatment for conditions accompanied by high blood glucose levels.

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Benefits

Blueberries are a berry with a rich vitamin composition. They contain large amounts of vitamins C and K, and slightly less vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and E. The mineral composition of the berry is represented by potassium (51 mg per 100 g), calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and phosphorus.

Blueberries are considered a low-calorie product (35-38 kcal per 100 g), the carbohydrate content of which is no more than 8.2 g. This allows you not only to saturate your body with vitamins, but also to effectively combat excess weight. It is believed that the berry also effectively breaks down fats, which means it can be used as a preventative measure against obesity.

The following are considered to be the beneficial properties of blueberries: protection from radiation, the ability to remove toxins, slags and heavy metal compounds from the body, participation in the process of hematopoiesis, strengthening of vascular walls, lowering blood pressure, improving the functioning of the digestive system, preventing infections (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action), fighting edema (diuretic effect), and a positive effect on the central nervous system (sedation). Eating blueberries reduces the risk of developing cancer, gives strength and energy, and produces a rejuvenating effect.

Despite the fact that blueberries have a distinct sweet taste, they not only do not increase blood sugar levels, but even lower them, so the berry is not recommended for hypoglycemia (in this case, it should not be consumed more than 200 g per day).

Blueberries can be consumed:

• fresh, 200-300 g per day, in the form of juice (½ glass before meals), which is considered more useful than grape or any other,
• prepare teas, decoctions and infusions based on dried berries and leaves of the plant (1-2 tablespoons of berries, shoots or leaves per 1 glass of water).

Any blueberry-based composition can be flavored with a small amount of honey, which will only enhance the healing effect of the berry, often used in the treatment of arterial hypertension and diabetes.

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Contraindications

This overseas guest, like many local berries, can increase blood clotting. This is important to consider for patients with increased blood viscosity and a tendency to form blood clots, with thrombophlebitis, as well as for all those who take anticoagulants (for example, heart patients).

Blueberry consumption is also undesirable for those diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia, as it promotes bile outflow. In case of gastritis and stomach ulcers, fresh fruits in large quantities can provoke an exacerbation, and in the acute period of the disease, their consumption should be completely abandoned.

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