How healthy are blueberries and how does fermentation and processing into juice affect the ingredients contained? (Image: Pineapple studio/stock.adobe.com)
Blueberries are so healthy
Experts have repeatedly examined how the consumption of blueberries affects health. It was found that blueberries (often also called blueberries ) such as reducing inflammation, helping to regulate blood sugar, improving gut flora and protecting the body from degenerative diseases.
Awareness of the health benefits of blueberries is growing and is backed up by many study results. But what concrete health benefits can be expected from blueberries?
Blueberries contain anthocyanins
For example, in an English-language journal “Advances in Nutrition“ published research found that blueberries many secondary plant substances included, including Anthocyane.
The researchers involved in the study believe that Anthocyanefrom the phytochemicals contained in blueberries, probably the greatest influence on the mediated health benefits have.
Because in various epidemiological studies there is a connection between the regular consumption of blueberries (and/or anthocyanins) and a lower risk of cardiovascular diseasesa premature death and Typ-2-Diabetes been proven.
Blueberries protect nerve cells from damage
Also, blueberries seem to help maintain one healthy weight to be helpful and Neurons (nerve cells) and neural networks to protect it from damage and even from its destruction.
Why are blueberries so healthy?
According to the research team, the most important health-promoting aspects of blueberries are theirs anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect as well as their positive impact on vascular and blood sugar regulation.
Blueberries improve intestinal flora
In addition, blueberries can contain secondary plant substances gastrointestinal microflora influence positively and thus contribute to improved health. The researchers recommend regular consumption of blueberries due to the many health benefits.
How healthy is blueberry juice?
Another study analyzed how the processing of blueberries into juice affects the bioactive compounds contained. It was found that certain processes (e.g. evaporation) bioactive compounds in blueberry products can get.
In the English-language “Journal of Food ScienceIn the study published, the researchers came to the conclusion that it is possible to obtain blueberry juice concentrates with different solids contents using various processes.
So far, however, these methods still have individual weaknesses, which, for example, lead to a loss of Vitamin C and a reduction in bioactive components contribute. Consuming fresh blueberries remains preferable to consuming blueberry juice.
Poor bioavailability
Blueberries contain many biologically active compounds (bioactive substances), but most of them only have one low bioavailability on. Therefore, it was also examined whether Fermentation maintains the bioavailability of nutrients and bioactive substances in blueberries.
The results of the corresponding study can be found in the journal “Trends in Food Science & Technology“ to be read.
Fermentation can increase bioavailability
Die Fermentation can therefore be used as an efficient method for Increase in bioavailability some Bioactive substances be considered. During fermentation, the physical properties and chemical profile of blueberries change, increasing their overall health benefits.
Compared to fresh blueberries, fermentation brings additional health benefits, mainly through the production of various microbial metabolites, or postbiotics, according to the experts. The type of probiotics used during fermentation is crucial for the generation of specific postbiotics.
Benefits of Fermented Blueberries
According to the team, study results suggest that fermented blueberries have the potential to alleviate conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment. They are also said to help in the fight against obesity.
The team adds, however, that there is still a systematic approach to confirming most of the reported health benefits of fermented blueberries human studies required are.
Blueberries aren’t just a nutritional supplement
Whether fermented or fresh, regular consumption of blueberries is generally beneficial for many aspects of health. Individual plant substances and extracts from blueberries are also of interest for medicine. A study from the past year has already shown that extracts from blueberries could be used against viral infections. (as)