The Chemical Composition and Medicinal Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries are not only a delicious and popular fruit—they are also a powerful natural remedy packed with health benefits. A 100% natural recipe, centered around blueberries, could potentially reduce your need for pharmacy visits by supporting your health from the inside out.
Let’s start with the fruit’s chemical composition. Just 100 grams of blueberries contain about 44 kilocalories, making them an excellent low-calorie food. They are rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin PP (niacin), B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), C (ascorbic acid), and E (tocopherol). These vitamins are vital for maintaining energy levels, supporting immune function, and protecting the skin and eyes.
Blueberries also provide important trace elements and minerals, including iron, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These contribute to maintaining proper electrolyte balance, strong bones, and optimal muscle and nerve function.
In addition, blueberries are a source of various organic acids, including lactic, citric, malic, and others. These acids play a role in digestion and maintaining a healthy pH balance in the body. But perhaps the most powerful aspect of blueberries is their antioxidant capacity. They are known to be one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins—pigments that give blueberries their deep blue color and protect the body from oxidative stress.
One group that benefits immensely from blueberries is people who work in professions requiring intense visual concentration. Regular consumption of blueberries can help support vision by improving capillary strength and blood circulation in the eyes. This is especially crucial for individuals experiencing visual fatigue, such as those who spend long hours in front of screens.
Blueberries are also recommended for older adults, whose bodies are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals contribute to the aging process and the development of various chronic diseases. The antioxidant properties of blueberries help neutralize these radicals, offering protection at the cellular level.
Historically, blueberries have been used not just as food but also as medicine—particularly for treating digestive tract issues. In the second half of the 20th century, scientific research confirmed many of the traditional uses of this fruit. Blueberries have shown positive effects in managing cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and varicose veins. They help reduce the permeability of capillaries and improve vascular health.
The fruit contains 15 different types of anthocyanosides, which help protect veins and arteries. These compounds enhance the flexibility of cell membranes and inhibit the formation of blood clots. Furthermore, blueberries help prevent the breakdown of collagen—a protein that strengthens blood vessel walls.
Ophthalmologists frequently recommend dietary supplements containing blueberries, as they have a positive effect on eye health. Blueberries help strengthen the capillaries and improve blood flow to the retina. They stimulate the production of essential pigments needed for the retina to adapt quickly between darkness and light, making them effective for night vision support.
One notable application is in the prevention of cataracts. Cataracts can form due to the oxidative damage of proteins in the eye lens. In clinical observations, up to 97% of patients taking blueberries experienced halted or slowed cataract progression.
Another remarkable benefit of blueberries is their impact on blood sugar levels. Not many people know that blueberries can significantly lower blood glucose. They also reduce diabetes-related glycoproteins that contribute to complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy.
Blueberries have also been used in managing digestive issues such as enterocolitis, stomach ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. Their healing properties extend to the cardiovascular system, helping with conditions like high capillary permeability and varicose veins.
How to Prepare Blueberry Remedies at Home
Cold Infusion:
Take 20 grams of dried blueberry fruit, crush it, and place it in a glass or enamel container. Pour 200 ml of cold (previously boiled) water over it and let it sit for 8 hours. Strain and divide the infusion into three equal parts. Drink one part three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.
Hot Infusion:
Use the same amount—20 grams of dried fruit—crushed and placed in a heat-resistant container. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over it, cover, and let it steep for 45 minutes. Then strain through cheesecloth, divide into three parts, and drink three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.
