The gifts of nature have been and are the most readily available raw material for the production of medicines and healing aids. And although today wild fruit is processed on a massive scale under the watchful eye of specialists, the tradition of collecting nature's gifts and processing them is still alive in many homes.
Lingonberry
Lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea, that is, lingonberry contains a lot of vitamin C, beta-carotene and all important B vitamins. Potassium, calcium and magnesium are present in fruits in optimal amountsJuice has a disinfecting effect and is used prophylactically against chronic urinary tract infections. An ingredient has recently been discovered in fruits that helps heal herpes faster.
Blueberry
Blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus grows only in acidic soils. Who among us did not collect them? The fruit, apart from its undeniable taste, is very he althy. Research has shown that the pigments in blueberry can inhibit intestinal inflammation. It was also discovered that the high concentration of blue active substances relieves the symptoms of migraine and tension headaches, all without any side effects. skin.
Wild Rose
Rosehips are real vitamin bombs. For comparison: 100 g of fresh fruit contains up to 1500 mg of vitamin C, lemon - 50 mg. There is also a unique combination of carotenoids.As shown by clinical trials, fruit extract prevents white blood cells from entering the tissues, thus slowing down rheumatic processes.
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(zdj .: Fotolia.com) |
Large cranberry
Large cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon has properties similar to blueberries. It occurs naturally in North America. Here, cranberry is used as often as dried fruit and nuts, being a great addition, among others. for cakes and muesli. The dried fruit has a sour taste, provides energy and can be eaten as a snack. The indigenous people of Canada value cranberries for its healing properties.
Cranberry extract is a source of antibacterial tannins that prevent the penetration of bacteria into the mucosa of the urethra and renal pelvis. treat gastritis.
Lilac
Black elderberry Sambucus nigra used to be enough for an entire pharmacy. All parts of this plant were used in natural herbal medicine. In the spring, leaf extracts were used to stimulate the metabolism.Flower tea is also used today to reduce fever and strengthen the body's defenses.The healing properties of fruits have recently been devoted to a lot of scientific research. Well, elderberries contain very large amounts of minerals, vitamins, proteins important for life and essential oils.
Lilac juice strengthens the walls of blood vessels and protects the coronary vessels of the heart.The latest research confirms the anti-bacterial and anti-influenza effects of the juice.However, let's not forget that the poisonous glycoside sambunigrin is present in fresh fruit. This substance loses its toxic properties when dried or boiled at 50 ° C.
Sea buckthorn berries contain a large amount of carotenoids, it is easy to recognize by the orange color of the peel.Blueberries are one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12, which accelerates, among others, the formation of new cells.This valuable vitamin also reduces the level of fat in the blood, which is responsible for the feeling of hunger.
Natural dietary supplements
Wild berries contain a number of substances that protect human cells from destruction. The most important are natural red, blue and purple dyes. Everyone knows orange-red carotenoids.Thanks to them, carrots, pumpkins and apricots gain such an appetizing appearance.Dark anthocyanins are responsible for the dark red color of cherries, dark grapes and black currants. Wild fruits, such as lilacs, blueberries and blueberries, have a lot of them.
To sum up - the darker the fruit, the more anthocyanins in it. Like carotenoids, they are recognized as highly effective free radical scavengers (antioxidants, i.e. chemicals that can neutralize free radicals).
Free radicals are, scientifically speaking, single atoms or molecules that have at least one unpaired electron.These are highly chemically active particles. In a limited amount, they are even necessary.The problem arises when, as a result of smoking, drinking alcohol, taking medications or being exposed to stress and physical exertion, radicals begin to rapidly multiply, destroying e.g. cells of the heart, kidneys, brain.
In addition, they damage nerve cells and weaken the immune system. As a result of this, the risk of developing the disease increases, e.g. for cancer or arteriosclerosis. Anthocyanins inhibit these processes.
Recent research also confirms that they are antiviral. As in many such cases, quantity is decisive.Even if we eat he althy, eating meals rich in vegetables and fruits 3-5 times a day, we only consume half the recommended anthocyanin intake. Therefore, remember to include additional wild fruit preserves in your diet.
