Blueberries for diabetes: the benefits and harms

Nutrition plays an important role in human life. Thanks to food intake, a huge amount of useful substances and components that contribute to improving the functioning of organs and the general physical and emotional state enter the body. Among a wide variety of products, special attention should be paid to blueberries. This berry is considered especially useful for diabetes. Various dishes are prepared from the fruits, and the leaves and shoots of the plant are also used.

The healing properties of blueberries

Blueberries are good because they contain a fairly low percentage of the so-called glycemic index. Thanks to this, the berry is so appreciated among people with diabetes. Many, taking it during a special course, noted a decrease in the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as a stable state of the body as a whole.

Additionally, the content of such substances in the plant as:

• ascorbic, malic, citric and succinic acids;
• vitamins of groups a, c and b;
• essential oils;
• macro- and microelements;
• pectin substances.

Blueberries not only affect glucose in the blood, but also affect the performance of some vital organs. Thus, additional properties of such a useful product can be distinguished.

1. Regular use of blueberry leaf will clean the gastrointestinal tract from toxins and normalize its work. As a result, digestion improves and the processes of the stomach normalize.
2. Blueberries have a positive effect on the liver and kidneys.
3. If the patient has type 2 diabetes mellitus, then it is recommended to periodically eat blueberries to prevent vision problems. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
4. Among the beneficial properties, the effect of blueberries on the epidermis can be noted. For example, it can help relieve irritation, redness, and itching, as well as speed up the healing process.
5. Thanks to the use of berries, the amount of cholesterol in the blood is normalized.
6. The body becomes less salts after eating blueberries.

It can also be noted that the product does not cause allergic reactions at all, and therefore it can be recommended for use by almost everyone. In addition, the berry has a positive effect on weight loss.

Contraindications

Unfortunately, despite the majority of useful properties, not everyone can use the product. For example, among the contraindications noted:

• urolithiasis disease;
• individual intolerance to any of the substances contained in the berry;
• pathology of the pancreas.

In all these cases, it is not recommended to eat blueberries.

Why is it possible to eat blueberries with diabetes?

To begin with, it is worth noting the fact that blueberries are a local product, and in principle it is recommended for everyone to eat. You can meet shrubs of a similar plant both in Siberia, and in the Urals or in the center of the country. The name of the berry itself comes from the fact that during consumption it paints the skin and mouth in a characteristic color.

Initially, blueberries were valued for helping to cope with poor vision. Thanks to her, the work of the eye muscles improved and the walls of the vessels strengthened. In addition, the berry contains many vitamins that positively affect the functioning of the organs of vision. This happens due to the strengthening of immunity and the organization of additional protection.

A bit later, the positive effect of the berry was proved for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it can also be used as a prophylaxis of various nervous diseases. All this is due to the content of vitamins useful for the body. As a result, the intake of blueberries is accompanied by a restoration of metabolism and an improvement in the general condition of the patient.

As for diabetes, many experts believe that regular use of the product will reduce the risk of such a disease. This is especially useful for those at risk and suffering from a disease called prediabetes. The fact is that the berries contain fiber and pectin, which is useful for the digestive system. Thanks to them, there is a decrease in the risk of a disease, and weight is also normalized.

Many doctors recommend adding blueberries to children's diets in order to strengthen the child’s immunity in advance and provide his body with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Not so long ago, the positive effect of blueberries on skin condition was discovered. This was done as a result of taking the product by patients with diabetes mellitus. Usually their skin becomes dry during illness, and wound healing is much slower. After taking the product, the epidermis recovery process accelerated significantly, and dryness disappeared. To date, patients with diabetes are recommended to make compresses or lotions from blueberries or other parts of this plant.

Blueberry Pasta

The product becomes the most popular in the summer, as it is then that the bushes begin to bear fruit. At this time, it is recommended to collect all the berries in advance and freeze some of them to leave for the winter time, when vitamins and nutrients are so necessary.

If you do not want to freeze a berry, then you can use another way - make a paste from it. In addition, for its preparation, you can also use blueberries, which contain a large supply of acids, vitamins and antioxidants that are useful to the body. Thanks to blueberry paste, all components are perfectly absorbed by the body, which positively affects the strengthening of immunity.

Tincture

Another way to harvest berries for the winter is to make tinctures. In order to make it, you will need to stock up on the following products:

Blueberry leaves. It will take about one tablespoon. And it is best to grind them in advance.

Hot water.

The cooking process is quite simple:

1. To get hot water, a kettle is boiled.
2. At this time, the crushed leaves are placed in a container or a thermos, and only then are filled with boiling water in time.

This mixture will need to be closed to form a water bath and hold for about 40 minutes, then strain. It is recommended to drink tincture about three times a day in the amount of two teaspoons each time.

There are also other recipes and methods for harvesting blueberries at home. For example, you can make compote, tea, jelly and various jams from it. In addition, other berries or products can be added to the recipe that will have an additional effect on the body. Thus, it will turn out not only tasty, but also healthy dish, able to delight with taste and healing properties throughout the whole year. The only thing to consider before signing up for blueberries is a mandatory consultation with a doctor.

Video: is there any benefit from blueberries for diabetes?