In recent decades, blueberries have become very famous due to the discovery that they contain powerful antioxidant potential and have a positive effect on overall health. Blueberry tea is also gaining popularity.
This tea is made simple by steeping the dried leaves of the bush of the blueberry. These leaves are abundant in nutrients and antioxidants. The fruit bushes have an origin in North America, but now they are present all around the world.
Of all species, the most common is Vaccinium cyanococcus. Most of its health benefits come from the high concentrations of phytonutrients, polyphenolic compounds, anthocyanins, iron, vitamin A, zinc, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B, potassium, and vitamin K.
Blueberry Tea and Its Health Benefits
The most amazing thing about this tea is the fact that it comes with many health benefits. After you realize this for sure, you would like to include this tea in your daily routine.
1. Good for Blood Glucose Levels
It is said that blueberry tea can reduce blood glucose levels by improving insulin resistance, optimizing the pancreas and its function, and increasing insulin secretion.
For those people who have diabetes, or maybe those who have a risk of developing diabetes, this tasty tea can serve both as Forbes.
According to pre-clinical trials, this tea improves the intake of sugar in the muscles, and that is how it lowers blood sugar levels. According to some studies blueberries come with many health benefits, especially for individuals who have type 2 diabetes.
The Journal of Nutrition published a study on this topic. According to that study, anthocyanins decreased fasting plasma sugar levels, lowered bad cholesterol and insulin resistance, and increased good cholesterol.
2. Kidney Health
Blueberry tea contains hippuric and ellagic acids. These acids detoxify the walls of the urinary bladder by raising the acidity present in the urine. Moreover, they can lower the oxalates level in the body, which might cause the formation of kidney stones.
3. Immune System
The immunity might be bolstered by Medical News Today and vitamin C. The anthocyanins seek out free radicals and neutralize these free radicals before they can make the cells undergo apoptosis.
Vitamin C triggers white blood cell production and serves as an antioxidant.
4. Bone Density
Some studies link blueberry tea with increased bone density and reduce the risk of obtaining osteoporosis.
Although the blueberry leaves don’t have a high content of minerals, it is still enough to provide the body with a boost in the mineral intake and maintain the strength of the bones.
5. Digestion
The naturally occurring antioxidant – gallic acid present in blueberries can lower inflammation in the body, and this also includes the stomach.
It actually rebalances the Organic Facts, and therefore it lowers bloating, discomfort, and cramping, eases the signs of diarrhea and constipation and might optimize digestion.
6. Vision
Blueberry tea contains vitamin A, and this is what Organic Facts. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant, mainly when it comes to slowing the development of cataracts and protecting against macular degeneration in the retina.
7. Circulation
Blueberry tea contains iron and calcium that improves the iron uptake by the digestive system. As a matter of fact, iron is a crucial component present in red blood cells, meaning more oxygenation to the tissues and extremities which need regrowth and repair.
The improved circulation might prevent signs of anemia and boost energy.
8. Heart Health
Thanks to its potassium content the blueberry tea can serve as a vasodilator and lower your risk of heart attack, atherosclerosis, and stroke by reducing your blood pressure. Moreover, proanthocyanins can lower the risk of heart disease.
9. Cognition
Thanks to its antioxidants this potent blueberry tea can notably impact your cognitive function by preventing plaque deposition and oxidative stress in the brain.
The slowing of the neural connections can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. But blueberry tea and its active compounds can Organic Facts
Now you know about all the health benefits that this tea offers. For sure these health benefits above mentioned are more than enough to include this tea in your diet. But do you know how to make it? Read on to find out.
How to Make Blueberry Tea at Home
You can buy dried blueberry leaves at most health food stores, or you can collect them from the wild and then dry them. But make sure that you harvesting the right leaves in case you decide to collect and use wild blueberry leaves.
You should be entirely sure since there are other berry varieties that look similar to the blueberries. These might be dangerous for your health.
Necessary Ingredients:
- Honey – 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Dried blueberry leaves – from 2 to 3 teaspoons
- Filtered water – 2 cups
How to Make This Tea
You need to boil the water, and then lower it to a simmer. Next, you need to add the blueberry leaves and let them steep from 10 to 15 minutes. After, simply strain the tea and add honey. Your tea is ready, all you need to do is drink it and enjoy the benefits.
Consult your doctor before you make any change in your diet or diabetes management plan.
