BLUEBERRIES

Background

Blueberries are valued in European and American folklore for different reasons. On Alpine slopes, blueberry soup is eaten to stave off colds and similar infections. In America,– as stated in Rodale’s ‘Encyclopaedia of Natural Remedies’, blueberries are regarded as a cure for diarrhoea. Both of these beliefs are borne out by medical research, suggesting blueberries provide many health benefits.

Medicinal Value

In Europe, the Swedish use blueberries the most. Dried blueberry soup has been employed for many years to cure diarrhoea in children. Finn Sandberg of the Uppsala Biomedical Centre in Sweden says that 5-10 grams is a suitable amount to stem diarrhoea in a child.

The compounds found in blueberries, such as tannins, are also very powerful at combating all sorts of viral infections. The blueberry has an antibiotic effect, killing off unwanted microbes. In Canadian tests, for example, crushed blueberries killed off 100% of the poliovirus exposed to it in 24 hours.

Blueberries are full of compounds known as anthocyanins, which kill off bacteria such as E. coli – a common cause of infectious diarrhoea. In Sweden, a product is available made from these compounds by powdering the skins of blackcurrants (which are very similar to blueberries and contain the same chemicals). This is used as a potent remedy for diarrhoea.

Blueberries have also been tested to see what influence they have on blood cholesterol, particularly around the brain. Research in Paris and further investigations in Budapest revealed that the compounds that help fight diarrhoea also help against cholesterol and atherosclerosis. It is believed this occurs as anthocyanides stop cholesterol permeating the walls of arteries. As it therefore flows freely in the blood-stream, it is removed and the blood is purified.

As well as fighting diarrhoea and atherosclerosis, the simple high levels of vitamin C in blueberries act against infections. Vitamin C is also a potent anti-carcinogen that helps boost the body’s immune system and combat the development of cancer.

Advice

Blueberries, like many other berry fruits, can cause allergic reactions amongst certain individuals. The most commonly associated reaction is hives – swelling around the eyes, lips and face and an itchy swollen rash. Therefore care should be taken by individuals prone to allergic reactions.