A small purple-blue fruit, blueberry has a sweet taste and many benefits. With few calories, its size varies from 7 to 12 millimeters in diameter, and wild fruit prefers places where winter is quite harsh to grow. The fruit grows on a small shrub that can reach a height of a maximum of 1.5 m. The leaves should be harvested during spring and dried in the shade in a ventilated place. The fruits, however, must be harvested during the summer and, when the intention is to dry them, this must be done in the sun.
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Benefits and properties of blueberry
Rich in antioxidants, the fruits are effective in fighting cancer and aging, as they help to block and neutralize free radicals, responsible for the formation of cancer cells and premature aging. Considered as the fruit of youth, due to the presence of antioxidants, the fruit also prevents cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. It is indicated for hypertensive diets, in addition to reducing cholesterol, helping the urinary treat by preventing and treating infections, helping the digestive system to function properly and can be used to treat diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, lack of renal perfusion and foot diabetic, as it has a healing action.
In addition, blueberry is rich in vitamins C, K, manganese, dietary fiber and also other vitamins and minerals in small but significant amounts. The fruit also has mineral salts, citric acid, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, riboflavin, sugars, pectin, tannin, malic and tartaric, in addition to being a source of flavonoids – which give it a bluish color.
The consumption of blueberry tea, according to studies, in a dose of three or more cups of tea a day, helps to reduce the chances of stroke. It is effective as an antiseptic, anti-diarrheal, anti-hemorrhagic, in the treatment of colds, intestinal atony, circulatory problems and repair of damage caused by aging in the brain.
How to make blueberry tea?
To prepare the tea, you will need:
- 500 ml of water
- 2 cups of blueberry mashed with husks and seeds
- Sweetener to taste
Put the water in a container and heat it. Bring to a boil and add the blueberries, boiling for another 10 minutes. Strain, add sweetener – or consume straight. Tea can be taken hot or iced.
Another way to enjoy the benefits is through the leaves. These should be added to black tea before pouring the boiling water.
