Black nightshade - health benefits

Black nightshade refers to annual plants belonging to the nightshade family. This, for example, can also include a tomato. This family includes a large number of representatives, of which there are more than 2600 species. It is not yet possible to say exactly what kind of homeland is at nightshade.

Sometimes a plant can reach a height of one meter. For him, a characteristic stalk with upright position. It has a large number of branches that have a bluish-purple color. The leaves are dark green with serrated edges. The flowers are semi-umbrellas. The diameter of ripe fruits reaches 1 cm. They are brilliant, with a thin skin. The pronounced originality is distinguished by their taste, in which there is a slight bitterness. The plant has other popular names, for example, it is called the witch's berry.

Calorie components and indicators

The plant is characterized by a unique nutritional value. Calorie values ​​are zero with a complete absence of fatty and protein substances. A very small amount contains carbohydrates. Berries can be eaten as much as you like, but it is unlikely to get fat from this. Many useful substances are concentrated inside the berry:

1. Routine. Under his influence, there is a relaxation of blood vessels, previously subjected to spasm. It is able to reduce indicators, both arterial and intracranial pressure. Rutin provides stabilization of the heart rhythm and the elimination of signs of inflammation. Under its influence, the processes in which histamine is produced are inhibited.
2. Carotene. There is a slowdown in age-related changes. It prevents the occurrence of malignant neoplasms and promotes the formation of bone tissue.
3. Ascorbic acid. Undoubtedly, its role in strengthening immunity. Participates in oxidation and reduction reactions.
4. Calcium. It is the main component in the structure of bone tissue. It takes part in stabilization of impulse conduction, leads to normalization of muscle contractility.
5. Magnesium. Under his influence, like a clock, a system of urine excretion and digestion works. In collaboration with calcium, it takes part in strengthening inert tissue.
6. Manganese. This mineral stabilizes lipid-carbohydrate metabolism. Under his influence, the thyroid gland improves its work.

This is an incomplete list of useful components of black nightshade. Other substances are included in its composition:

1. Sahara. Form the energy reserves of the body. However, they can also lead to an increase in blood glucose levels.
2. Glycoalkaloids. They have a pronounced anesthetic and sedative effect. They help increase blood coagulation. However, it is possible that with their intake intoxication may develop. They include dangerous poison, called solanine. But it is present only in unripe berries. When they mature, its destruction occurs.
3. Representatives of the organic acid series. They ensure the normal course of processes associated with hematopoiesis. With their entry into the body, the characteristics of the strength of the vessel wall increase, the dissolution of harmful cholesterol, the removal of toxins occurs. But their accumulation in the body is fraught with the development of dizziness and undesirable manifestations from the digestive tract.
4. Tannins. They have astringent and anti-inflammatory effects. Under their influence, intestinal and gastric motility decreases. 10% of the plant contains tannin.
5. Glycosides. Their action is based on the expansion of blood vessels.One action is to improve expectoration of sputum. Under their influence, the reproduction of pathogenic microflora is inhibited. Saponins are found in large quantities.

The most dangerous substance that can be found in black nightshade is dulcamarin. On the one hand, it increases the body's defense, and on the other, it can provoke the development of a condition associated with respiratory failure.

Plant benefits

Eat only fully ripened berries. But for medical purposes, unripe fruits, deciduous and root parts of the plant are used. The beneficial properties of the plant are manifested in the following qualities:

1. Due to the sedative effect, normalization of nervous activity is carried out.
2. The work of the heart comes in order. Tachycardia is eliminated, stabilization of the heart rate is observed.
3. The plant has a pronounced antimicrobial effect. It is effective against bacterial and viral microflora, and is active against certain fungi.
4. It has a moderate diuretic effect.
5. Promotes increased sweat, due to which the temperature decreases.
6. Eliminates problems associated with spasms of the respiratory muscles.
7. Eliminates signs of inflammation, interferes with the development of cell malignancy processes.
8. Reduces indicators associated with peripheral blood pressure, inhibits the development of atherosclerotic phenomena.
9. Relieves pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis.
10. Eliminates rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.
11. It has a choleretic effect, leads to stimulation of the production of enzyme substances necessary for the normal course of digestion.

Contraindications

Do not eat unripe berries. The lower the degree of their maturity, the higher the content of toxic substances in them. Mild poisoning is accompanied by minor symptoms associated with sore throat, hypersalivation, and symptoms associated with diarrhea. More serious poisoning is accompanied by severe symptoms, which, at times, become life threatening. In this case, immediate medical attention is required.

The use of fruits of nightshade black is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Chronic hepatic pathology and pancreas.
• The phenomena of flatulence, a manifestation of a tendency to diarrhea.
• Do not eat berry hypotonic.

Since the product is a pronounced provocateur of allergies, it should not be used by persons prone to allergic reactions.

How to use?

Berry picking is not difficult, as their growth implies the presence of bunches. They begin to collect them in the middle of summer and continue to do so until late autumn. Pedicels should be removed because they are toxic. You can prepare berries for the future. They are dried, they make jam or make compotes. Dried fruits can retain their beneficial properties for up to 8 years.

Black nightshade pie

As usual, you must first prepare the dough. But this option involves slightly different actions. Start with the filling. For cooking use exclusively ripe berries. They must be mixed with sugar in a ratio of 1: 1. A quarter of an hour withstand exposure. This is necessary for the allocation of juice. The mixture is cooked using a slow fire. In this case, the berries must be constantly stirred. Otherwise, they simply burn. The composition acquires a purple color and is somewhat similar to blueberry jam.

Next, prepare the dough. It is made on kefir. To prepare it you will need:

• flour - 3 cups;
• vegetable oil - a fifth of a glass;
• kefir - 1 cup;
• baker's yeast - 1 sachet;
• salt and sugar - in accordance with taste preferences.

Making Canadian Jam

Syrup is prepared from two kilograms of sugar. It is not prepared with water, but with the juice of one lemon. After the syrup is ready, pure nightshade berries are placed in it in the amount of two kilograms. When the composition boils, it is removed from the heat and completely cooled. Then bring back to a boil. This is done 4-5 times. The final chord is adding the juice of two lemons. At the very end, add a couple of mint leaves.

In conclusion, I would like to remind once again that only full-ripened berries should be eaten. Otherwise, troubles simply cannot be avoided.

Video: black nightshade (Solánum nígrum)