Are Blueberries Acidic? We Did the Research

Don’t let a little acidity keep you from enjoying blueberries. The tasty little treat packs quite a nutritional wallop that’ll leave you saying what acid.

It’s hard to believe that something as tasty as fresh blueberries can be one of the most acidic fruits in existence. But you don’t need to let that stop you from enjoying them.

Are blueberries acidic?

The short answer is yes, but no more than your average tomato. And the benefits of eating the delicious, nutritious, powerhouse likely outweigh the negatives of its acidity. Blueberries are so good and so good for you that you might want to get more information before you leave them in the produce aisle.

What is the pH level of blueberries?

If you look at the pH scale, you will see that it ranges from 0 to 14, where 0 is the maximum acidity a substance can have and 14 is the maximum alkaline level. Foods that come in at or around 7 are considered neutral. Blueberries have a pH of 3.1 – 3.3 which makes them much more acidic than most fruit, though certainly not lemons. Fortunately, the good significantly outweighs the bad when it comes to the pH of blueberries. Yes, they are acidic, but so rich in minerals and nutrients that they are actually one of the healthiest fruits of them all.

“Yes, they are acidic, but so rich in minerals and nutrients that they are actually one of the healthiest fruits of them all.”

Are blueberries bad for indigestion?

Blueberries are high in fiber and overindulging can potentially result in digestive symptoms such as bloating and gas. They also contain a large amount of salicylates, so if you are sensitive or allergic, you, too, may experience some unpleasant symptoms. If you are enjoying your blueberries in moderation and still experience side effects, talk to your physician about possible food sensitivities.

What about blueberry jam and blueberry juice?

When it comes to blueberry jam and blueberry juice, the first thing you need to do is read the label. Both can contain high levels of sugar and neither have any dietary fiber. Cold pressed 100% blueberry juice may have more bioavailable antioxidants than other blueberry juices and you might find alternative options with healthier sweeteners or lower overall sugar content. According to this review, sugar-free jams retain higher levels of anthocyanins since refrigeration helps to maintain the antioxidants in both the sugar and non-sugar jams. In general, whole fruits are always more nutrient dense and beneficial than juices and jams, even if the juices and jams are made with fresh, delicious blueberries.

Can you reduce the acidity of blueberries?

The acidity of blueberries can easily be countered by a bit of menu planning on your part. You can blend them with high pH ingredients to neutralize the acidity. A small serving of blueberries is perfect with your oatmeal or in a smoothie each morning. You can also enjoy blueberries in salads or with Greek yogurt for a healthy meal or snack. The list of high alkaline foods you might combine with blueberries to offset the acidity includes almonds, walnuts, cashews, spinach, lettuce, avocado, bananas, coconut milk, and kale. With a little creativity, delicious combinations that include blueberries are plentiful.

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Should you eat blueberries?

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! There’s a reason so many people call the blueberry a superfood. The nutrient count alone is a great reason to eat blueberries. They are a rich source of antioxidants that can combat oxidative stress and free radicals. They contain phytochemicals that may also promote gut health, and also promote insulin sensitivity. Research has shown that a higher intake of flavonoids, especially from berries, appears to reduce the rate of cognitive decline in older adults. Higher anthocyanin intake (like you find in blueberries) promotes cardiovascular health and may, according to this research, reduce the risk for cardiovascular issues in predominantly young women.

When should you avoid blueberries?

Blueberries are on the dirty dozen list meaning that they are one of the most heavily sprayed produce items. If possible, you would be well served to choose organic or frozen organic in order to reduce exposure to pesticides. If organic is not an option, you can also consider washing your blueberries (and any other non-organic fresh produce) with produce cleanser.

Final takeaways

Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse that many refer to as a superfood. They’re packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and support healthier aging, heart health, and cognitive improvements in older adults. They are more acidic than most fruits, but you can usually offset this acidity with complementary alkaline foods. In a nutshell, blueberries are delicious, make a great snack, and are a wonderful ingredient in many recipes. Add them to your oatmeal, put them in your smoothie, or just enjoy them on their own. They’re also pretty amazing in your pancakes, pies, muffins, and syrup, but the nutritional benefits, taste notwithstanding, will be hard to pinpoint.

7 Surprising Facts About GERD and Acid Reflux

Everyday Health Archive

Fact-Checked

By Jonathan Aviv MD, FACS,  Special to Everyday Health

In my 24 years as a practicing ear, nose, and throat specialist, I have treated thousands of patients with acid reflux disease.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backwards up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the structure that connects the throat to the stomach.

Among my patients with acid reflux many are surprised to learn that you can have acid reflux without the traditional complaint of heartburn.

Here are seven other facts those with acid reflux are often surprised to learn:

1. Acid reflux affects approximately 60 million Americans. Classically, acid reflux disease was thought to be a disease affecting white males over 50. However, that no longer holds true. Acid reflux affects every race, gender and adult age group.

2. There are two types of acid reflux disease: “Heartburn reflux,” in which the main complaint is heartburn, and “throatburn reflux,” in which the main complaints are chronic cough, frequent throat-clearing, hoarseness and/or a lump-like sensation in your throat. Throatburn reflux is acid reflux without any heartburn complaints. The medical term for heartburn reflux is GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) and the medical term for throatburn reflux is LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux)

3. Acid reflux can lead to more serious problems. Let untreated, or insufficiently treated, acid reflux disease can lead to severe inflammation in the esophagus, stomach, lungs, vocal cords, and throat. In some cases, untreated or insufficiently treated acid reflux can even progress to esophageal cancer – the fastest growing cancer in America and Europe since the mid 1970s.

4. You should avoid acidic foods if you have acid reflux disease, because they loosen the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus.  In addition to the “classic” acidic foods – such as caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, mint, tomato, onion, and garlic –  “healthy” foods such as honey, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are very acidic too.

5. Healthy acidic foods such as honey and berries can have their acidity neutralized by buffering them with more alkaline (less acidic) foods. For example, berries become safer for people with acid reflux if you add unsweetened almond milk.

6. A low acid, high-fiber diet that contains a balance of all three macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbs) reduces inflammation from acid reflux and helps with sustainable weight loss as well, in my clinical experience.

7. Acid reflux can be diagnosed without having to sedate the patient. In other words, we now have the ability to examine the esophagus for damage from acid reflux with the patient wide awake. This technique, which I helped pioneer in 1998 in the United States, is called TNE (transnasal esophagoscopy).

The traditional way to examine the esophagus had been to place a large camera in the mouth and guide it past the throat into the esophagus. Because the camera went through to the back of the mouth, where the powerful gag reflex was always stimulated,  we needed to give patients intravenous sedation to negate the effects of the gag reflex. With TNE, an ultra-thin camera the size and softness of a cooked piece of spaghetti, is placed via the nose into the throat area, then into the esophagus. By going through the nose, the doctor bypasses the back of the mouth, so the gag reflex isn’t stimulated.

Because you don’t have to worry about the gag reflex with TNE, patients don’t need IV sedation. Because the patient is awake, the procedure is much safer, there’s also no need for expensive monitoring , and the patient can go back to work or to play right after the procedure.

TNE is less expensive and more convenient than traditional sedated upper endoscopy. And numerous studies have shown that TNE is as safe as traditional sedation upper endoscopy, as well-tolerated by the patient, and as good as detecting potentially precancerous tissue. Most people have never heard of TNE, but in the past 10 years, more doctors are using this technique and residency training programs are teaching it.

Jonathan E. Aviv MD, FACS, is the clinical director and founder of the Voice and Swallowing Center of ENT and Allergy Associates in New York City. He is the author of Killing Me Softly From Inside: The  Mysteries and Dangers of Acid Reflux and Its Connection to America’s Fastest Growing Cancer with a Diet That May Save Your Life. You can reach him on Facebook, and YouTube.

Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health.

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Berry Blueberry – 5 useful properties, harm and recipes

Berry is rarely found in the diet of people. And this is considered a big mistake, because many do not know how blueberries are useful for the human body. Due to the rich composition, funds based on it are often prescribed instead of potent drugs. Let us study in more detail what the benefits and harms of fruits are for the one who consumes them.

Description of the composition of the berries and their benefits

The berry comes from North America. It allowed the inhabitants of cold regions to survive in times of famine. Blueberries grow only in dense forests and it is almost impossible to meet them in open glades.

Blueberries are a berry that looks like blueberries. They differ little in external characteristics. But the taste of the fruit is completely different. Blueberries have a neutral taste – sweetish or sour. Blueberries have richer sweet and sour notes. It is impossible to say which of the berries is tastier, because it all depends on the preferences of the person.

Another difference between blueberries and blueberries has to do with growing conditions. The first crop can only be grown in the wild. It is difficult to get berries, but they can be ordered through online stores. Blueberries, unlike blueberries, are grown in a summer cottage and receive a crop that does not differ in quality or useful properties from wild-growing.

If we compare blueberries and blueberries in terms of usefulness, then the advantage can be given to the latter berry. Both cultures contain approximately the same amount of trace elements, but blueberries contain more vitamins and beneficial acids.

Bilberry is the leader among berries in terms of manganese content. Due to this property, the berry was previously used to treat scurvy.

The nutritional value of blueberries is 43 kcal per 100 g. This figure is relevant only for fresh berries. If we consider the same amount of dried product, then its energy value will be much higher.

Let’s take a closer look at what useful components are contained in berries, and what daily allowance each of them covers.

Vitamins:

• K – 24%;
• C – 16%;
• B2 – 8%
• B6 – 3%
• E – 2%.

B vitamins are responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system and stimulate the brain. C or ascorbic acid supports the immune system and allows it to fight dangerous infectious agents. Vitamin E frees the body from harmful substances, improves skin condition and preserves its youth. Vitamin K is involved in the processes of digestion and saturates the body with the necessary energy.

Trace elements:

• manganese – 18%;
• iron – 5.4%;
• magnesium – 3.7%;
• potassium – 2.7%;
• calcium – 1.4%.

Trace elements ensure the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, which is important for maintaining hormonal levels. They are responsible for the normal supply of oxygen to the internal organs and acids.

In addition to vitamins and microelements, blueberries contain acids useful for humans:

• lemon – normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands in the epidermis and improves skin condition;
• oxalic – reduces the severity of headaches;
• apple – reduces the risk of cancer, strengthens blood vessels
• chitinous – reduces the level of cholesterol in the body.

If we consider the difference between blueberries and blueberries in terms of usefulness, it should be noted that the former contains much more antioxidants that remove free radicals and prevent cancer. Blueberry is the leader in the content of pectins and it better cleanses the intestines from harmful substances.

Health benefits of blueberries for women, men and children

Blueberries can be consumed by both children and adults. They help to solve specific problems for people depending on age and gender. But there are also general beneficial properties that every person can get when using blueberries:

1. Strengthening the musculoskeletal system. Calcium in the composition of the product increases bone density. Iron prevents the development of congestion in tissues and prevents the early development of osteoporosis. Vitamin K improves bone metabolism and makes them more resistant to fractures and other damage.
2. Weight loss. The antioxidants and dietary fiber in blueberries help achieve positive changes. They cleanse the intestines, stimulate its active work and dissolve bad cholesterol.
3. Skin improvement. Vitamin C, which is found in fruits, stimulates the production of collagen. It evens out skin tone and prevents the appearance of age spots. This component allows the epidermis to withstand negative external factors: ultraviolet radiation, smoke, etc.
4. Strengthening the blood vessels of the heart. Blueberries prevent the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the body. Thanks to this, the heart is fully supplied with blood and functions normally. Potassium and fiber are substances in the composition of the product that make the walls of the arteries more elastic and regulate the functioning of the heart muscle.
5. Prevention of neurological problems and diseases of the brain. The B vitamins contained in berries improve mental functions and concentration.

The benefits of blueberries for women

Women noted the positive effects of blueberries when used for cosmetic purposes. Based on a natural healing ingredient, they make masks for hair and skin.

Ingestion of berries allows ladies to cope with their common pathologies. The fruits strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevent varicose veins in the legs. This is a common problem in older women.

Northern fruits also have an antispasmodic effect. They reduce the symptoms of menstruation. For ladies of mature age, blueberries help to more easily survive menopause, which is accompanied by increased sweating, sudden mood swings and sleep disturbance.

During pregnancy, the berry helps to recover from infectious diseases. Pregnant women are not allowed to drink potent drugs because they affect the developing fetus. Antibacterial agents can be replaced with blueberries, which are a powerful natural antiseptic.

Benefits for men

The positive effect on the body of the stronger sex is due to the fact that blueberries prevent the development of prostatitis and improve the quality of seminal fluid. The berry is recommended for men who have problems conceiving a child.

Bilberry allows you to restore physical strength due to the content of a large amount of vitamins. They will be especially useful for those men who are engaged in hard physical labor and are very tired at work.

Benefits for children

Blueberries for babies – the best way to maintain immunity in the cold season. You can consume fresh fruits with ARVI disease in order to speed up recovery.

Blueberries have a positive effect on the formation of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, it is especially useful for children whose body lacks vitamin D3.

Pure fruits should be given to children prone to nervousness and excessive excitability. They are not always allowed to drink sedatives, and blueberries gently and effectively help to solve problems with sleep and concentration, and have practically no contraindications.

Possible harm from blueberries

There will be no harm from consuming the natural ingredient if eaten in moderation. Overeating blueberries, like any other product, is dangerous. It can cause loose stools and skin rashes.

The only contraindication to blueberries, despite their beneficial properties, is individual intolerance. In these cases, the product, even in small quantities, can adversely affect health.

The list of diseases in which the use of blueberries can cause harm to the health of men and women include:

• urolithiasis;
• exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract;
• severe liver pathologies

Women should not eat berries while breastfeeding. They can cause allergies in a newborn. Before introducing northern berries into your diet, it is better for mom to consult a pediatrician.

Blueberry recipes

There are several recipes that can be made from blueberries to preserve their beneficial properties. Delicious and easy to prepare dish – jam. Especially useful jam with whole berries.

Jam Recipe

To make a dessert, you need 1 kg of blueberries and 700 g of sugar. A step-by-step jam recipe that allows you to save all the benefits of berries:

1. Berries are sorted out, damaged fruits and foliage are removed. Good fruits are thoroughly washed and laid out in a convenient container.
2. Sprinkle blueberries with sugar and leave for 3-4 hours. It is important that it has time to give juice before heat treatment. At this time, prepare and sterilize jars for rolling jam.
3. Put blueberries with sugar on a slow fire and stir constantly so that the mixture does not stick to the walls of the dish. Cooking time – 5 minutes.

The finished delicacy is laid out in jars and rolled up under the lids. To make the jam thicker, you need to add more sugar. Store the finished product in a cool dark place.

Recipe for blueberries in their own juice

Blueberries in their own juice are just as healthy as fresh ones. It retains all the nutritional properties, since it is not subjected to heat treatment. According to the classic recipe, you can harvest not only blueberries, but also any other types of berries: currants, cherries, etc. The main thing is that the required proportion of berries and sugar is observed – 1: 2. That is, if you harvest 2 kg of blueberries, you will need 4 kg of sugar.

Fruit harvesting algorithm:

1. The berries are washed, transferred to a suitable container and crushed with an immersion blender.
2. Sprinkle the mixture with sugar and mix thoroughly.
3. Wait for the complete dissolution of sugar in blueberry juice.

Bilberries in their own juice are stored under closed lids in a cold place. It can be consumed within 1 year. Sugar acts as a preservative and prevents the berries from spoiling.

Blueberry Jelly Recipe

Another dish that can be prepared to preserve the beneficial properties of blueberries is jelly. It is used for filling pies or for making fruit drinks, milkshakes.

Ingredients needed for blueberry jelly:

• fresh or frozen fruits – 1 kg;
• sugar 1 kg;
• boiled water – 100 ml;
• pectin – 1 sachet.

Dessert preparation method

1. Blueberries and sugar are mixed in equal proportions and beaten with an immersion blender.
2. The mixture is put to languish on a gentle fire.
3. Boiled water and pectin are mixed in a small saucepan, and then also placed on the stove.
4. Pectin mass is added to the jam and boiled for another 3 minutes, until boiling.

The maximum shelf life of thermally processed blueberries is no more than 2 years (provided they are stored in a cool place). After this period, the berries lose some of the trace elements and vitamins.

There are many positive properties that blueberries are useful for a person. It normalizes the activity of the nervous system and the brain, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and prevents oncological diseases. Eating ripe fruits is recommended for women, men and even children, as it prevents and helps cure numerous pathologies with minimal health risks.

Crystal Pro Max+ Single Shot Blueberry Sour Raspberry – 10000 Pulls

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• Blueberry Sour Raspberry

Blueberry Sour Raspberry

Blueberry Sour Raspberry

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