Berries can be consumed both fresh and processed: in juices, syrups, drinks, extracts, kvass, fruit drinks, jellies, marmalades, and jams. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, beneficial substances, and fiber.
Doctors recommend including berries in the diet not only during the season but throughout the year. Regular consumption of these fruits significantly reduces the likelihood of early death, in some cases by 31%, according to data from The Journal of Nutrition.
The study was conducted over more than 8 years and covered health information from over 37,000 people. The leader among beneficial berries was cranberry, which grows in Ukraine and reduces the mortality risk by 31%. Blueberries and other berries reduce this risk by 21%. Strawberries show more modest results — only 14%.
Cranberries are beneficial due to their content of catechins, glycosides, pectins, and flavonoids, which play an important role in combating serious diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. These berries also help preserve vision and have antimicrobial properties. Additionally, they are used as a diuretic.
Berries have a tonic and refreshing effect, improving both mental and physical performance, as well as promoting the secretion of pancreatic and gastric juices. They are used as an antipyretic and vitamin remedy.
For medicinal purposes, ripe berries are harvested from the onset of the first frosts until the snow cover forms, and harvesting resumes after the snow melts. These berries can be stored for a long time, practically retaining their qualities.
Berries can be consumed fresh or processed into juices, syrups, drinks, extracts, kvass, fruit drinks, jellies, marmalades, and jams. Diluted juice helps quench thirst during fevers, while juice with honey is beneficial for coughs, sore throats, rheumatism, and hypertension.
Source: 1001sovet
