Blueberries have been an integral part of herbal medicine since the Middle Ages. The small shrub belongs to the heather family (Ericaceae), which grows in cool and temperate climates. In common parlance, the berry is also known as blueberry or huckleberry.
In the case of the wild blueberry, not only the skin but also the pulp is blue in color, while in the so-called cultivated blueberry the dye is only found in the skin.
Ingredients of blueberry
The pigment belongs to the anthocyanins, which provides black, bluish, violet and reddish coloration of flowers and fruits. Because of this, blueberries are among the fruits with one of the highest contents of anthocyanins.
In addition, the berries contain many other secondary plant substances such as resveratrol and quercetin, but also vitamins C and E.
Effect
Due to the high content of anthcyanins, blueberry can protect against free radicals and cells from oxidative damage. In addition, it can have eye-protective, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
The fresh berries are usually used against constipation, while dried blueberries are used against diarrhea. It is also used against inflammation of the mouth and throat.