When it comes to blueberries, the first thing that comes to mind is their high price. The price of blueberries in the market can range from tens to hundreds of yuan per kilogram, but this doesn't stop food lovers from pursuing their taste. Blueberries have long been hailed as the "king of fruits" due to their high nutritional value and multiple benefits.
The Benefits of Blueberries
1. Vision Improvement
Research has found that blueberries contain up to 15 different anthocyanin components, and these abundant anthocyanins can delay visual decline. In addition, the rich content of carotenoids in blueberries can improve blurry vision. Therefore, blueberries are also known as the "eye protector," and some eye medications even use blueberries as ingredients.
2. Antioxidant Effects
In addition to the strong antioxidant effects of anthocyanins in blueberries, they also contain superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme substance with the ability to remove free radicals and provide antioxidant effects. Many cosmetics add SOD to their products.
3. Improvement of Constipation
Blueberries also contain pectin, a high molecular polymer that can improve constipation and regulate intestinal microorganisms. The pectin content in blueberries is 1-3 times that of apples per 100 grams.
4. Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C in blueberries has the functions of protecting blood vessels, whitening the skin, and providing antioxidant effects.
5. Rich in Minerals
Blueberries contain abundant iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and copper elements. The zinc content in each gram of blueberries exceeds 81 milligrams, which helps protect neural cells. It also strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis. In addition, blueberries are helpful in preventing bladder infections, improving brain vitality, weight loss, and regulating blood sugar.
However, due to the high nutritional value and price of blueberries, counterfeit blueberry products are easily found.
First of all, so-called blueberry jam, blueberry juice, and dried blueberries are prone to counterfeiting. They may be made with artificial colors and flavors or other fruit juices with added colors as substitutes. Following a healthy diet, it is recommended to consume fresh blueberries. After drying, cooking, or juicing, blueberries lose a significant amount of their nutritional elements and only retain their sweet and sour taste along with a large amount of additives.
Secondly, fresh blueberries also have substitutes. Many merchants use blackcurrants instead of blueberries. Blueberries have a rounder shape, thinner skin, thicker flesh, and smaller seeds, and they usually do not have roots. Blackcurrants, on the other hand, have an oval shape, thick skin, and hard seeds. In terms of price, blueberries are 2-3 times more expensive than blackcurrants, so if you come across "good value" blueberries, be cautious.
About Eating Blueberries
Fruits or grains that appear purple are often due to the presence of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have the characteristic of changing color when exposed to heat, oxidation, acidic or alkaline substances. Generally, they turn red when exposed to acid and blue or green when exposed to alkaline substances.
Blueberries are also purple fruits rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins. If you find them expensive, you can choose other purple fruits such as mulberries and purple grapes. It is best to avoid long-term storage and consume them directly.
