Blueberries, are native to the Americas and are part of the large family of bilberries. The earliest country for blueberry cultivation was the United States, but it has less than a hundred years of cultivation history.
Because of its high health value, it is popular all over the world and is one of the five healthy fruits recommended by the World Food and Agriculture Organization.
Shape
Blueberries are small berries, typically around 5-16mm in diameter. They have a blue and beautiful color, and their outer layer is covered by a white fruit powder, while the pulp is fine.
The average weight of blueberry fruit is 0.5-2.5g, and the maximum weight is 5g. The edible rate is 100%, and they are sweet and sour with a pleasant aroma.
Nutritional Value
Blueberries are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and dietary fiber, among others. Blueberries are also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins.
These compounds have many benefits for human health, including protection against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, among others. Moreover, blueberries are a low-calorie, low-fat food with only 57 calories per 100 grams, making them an excellent choice for weight control.
Health Benefits
1. Improve Memory
Blueberries can improve human memory and enhance human brain function. The anthocyanins contained in blueberry berries can nourish the brain nerves, improve the activity of brain cells, and prevent memory loss after entering the human body.
2. Protect the Cardiovascular System
Blueberry berries are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, anthocyanins, and other substances that can purify the blood, accelerate blood circulation, and improve the toughness and elasticity of blood vessels.
3. Delay Aging
Blueberry berries are rich in anthocyanins, which can accelerate the metabolism of lipid peroxides, improve the function of multiple organs in the body, and slow down the aging speed of the body.
Edible Method
In addition to eating as a fruit, blueberries can also be used to make various delicacies, such as blueberry jam, blueberry pie, blueberry ice cream, etc.
Moreover, blueberries can be used to make blueberry tea, which has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood, and reducing swelling.
Storage
Blueberries are rich in water and carbohydrates, and if the temperature is high, they are prone to rot and deterioration. Therefore, it is recommended to store fresh blueberries in the refrigerator.
If we find rotten blueberries during refrigeration, we should pick them out and throw them away in time. In addition, the refrigeration time of blueberries should not be too long, so as to avoid deterioration and reduce the taste of eating.
Precautions
Although blueberries have many health benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. For example, blueberries contain a small amount of oxalic acid, which is easy to irritate the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, it is not suitable for people who are prone to urinary tract stones and kidney disease.
At the same time, blueberries are not suitable for excessive consumption, so as not to cause discomfort. Before consuming blueberries, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist for advice.
Blueberries are an amazing fruit, packed with nutrients, and have many health benefits. They are versatile and can be consumed in various forms. However, it is essential to take precautions and consult a doctor or nutritionist before consuming them, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.