Useful properties of actinidia, possible harm and contraindications for use

Chemical composition and calorie content of berries

The berries are elliptical, 4–5 cm long. The color is predominantly green with shades of yellow and orange. The taste of actinidia fruits is sweetish, sourness is present. Very similar to pineapple, gooseberry, kiwi. The chemical composition of berries is characterized by an abundance of useful trace elements:

• vitamins A, E, B, K;
• folic acid;
• a nicotinic acid;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• zinc;
• potassium;
• iron.

In addition, actinidia is famous for its rich content of antioxidants, sugars, fiber, and the amount of vitamin C surpasses everyone's favorite lemon, raspberry and currant. The calorie content of berries is about 50 kcal per 100 g.

Video "Healing properties of actinidia berry"

In this video, you will learn what medicinal properties the actinidia berry has.

The healing properties of actinidia

Due to the content of a large amount of useful trace elements and vitamins, actinidia fruits are actively used in medicine. Berries have a calming, expectorant, hemostatic effect. The presence of potassium in the composition ensures the normalization of blood pressure.

In addition, regular consumption of the fruit of the tree liana will prevent the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes. Actinidia has a beneficial effect on the condition of the walls of blood vessels, which leads to the normalization of the tone of the capillaries and veins.

In addition, the use of the plant for medicinal purposes is effective in:

• constipation;
• whooping cough;
• migraine;
• helminthiasis;
• respiratory tract diseases;
• pathologies of the digestive tract.

Folk recipes from medicinal berries

In folk medicine, not only berries, but also the leaves and inflorescences of the plant are widely used. There are many recipes for infusions, decoctions, medicinal drinks from actinidia. In addition to medicinal properties, this type of wood liana has preventive properties.

In Japan, the culture is widespread even in official medicine. Preparations based on this plant have diuretic, anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is used for injections for angina pectoris, colds. In addition, actinidia-based decoctions and infusions are considered a good laxative.

Infusion of leaves and flowers

30 g of dried liana foliage should be poured with 100 ml of boiling water. The infusion must be held for 20 minutes in a water bath, and then cooled. Take in small amounts three times a day. The remedy helps in case of sciatica, joint diseases.

Concentrated infusion of berries

A tablespoon of berries is poured with a small amount of boiling water. After a few minutes of infusion, the broth must be cooled. Consume 50-80 ml twice a day. The concentrate helps to increase immunity, overall strengthening of the body. The tool is indispensable in the cold season.

Infusion of roots

The roots should be thoroughly washed, peeled and chopped. In a water bath, the roots are boiled until a strong, highly concentrated infusion is obtained. The remedy is excellent for treating gum disease, especially stomatitis.

The broth is also used to treat joint pain and diseases of the female genitourinary system.

Bark decoction

30 g of dry bark must be poured with 1 glass of drinking water. For about half an hour, the composition must be held in a water bath, then cooled and taken 1 tbsp. l. after every meal.

Actinidia ointment

To prepare the ointment, you will need several berries of the bitter variety of actinidia. They should be crushed and combined with any oily base. The ointment is intended for external use. Effective in the treatment of fractures.

Culinary uses of actinidia

In addition to medicinal properties, actinidia berries are widely used in cooking. There are quite a few recipes for making this fruit: compotes, juices, preserves, jams. Such preparations for the winter will not only be a delicious dessert, but will also bring significant benefits to the body.

Harvesting and storage of fruits

Before harvesting, the fruits must be sorted out to remove excess debris. After that, the berries should be thoroughly washed and dried. To preserve the berries for the winter, you need to put them in a glass container and put them in a cool place, protected from sunlight. Quite often, the fruits are ground with sugar. Such preparation of berries ensures the preservation of the maximum amount of useful microelements.

Berry jam

To prepare the original jam, you need to take the fruits of wood vines and sugar in a 1: 1 ratio. The berries should be minced and combined with sugar. The jam is sent to pre-prepared jars. Stored in a cool, dark place for about 6 months.

For cooking, you need much less granulated sugar. Vine fruits must be ground in a blender, sprinkled with sugar and left to infuse for 1-2 hours. After this time, the jam needs to be boiled for about half an hour, distributed in jars and rolled up.

Heat-treated jam is usually stored for more than a year.

Home wine

To make homemade wine, you will need 2 kg of fruits and 2.5 kg of granulated sugar, as well as 5 liters of water. Sugar must be divided into three parts. Fruits, drinking water and part of granulated sugar should be sent to a pre-prepared bottle. It is important to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Put a rubber glove on the neck of the bottle.

You need to store the container in a warm place, protected from the rays of the sun. After 10-12 days, you need to add the second part of granulated sugar, and after 11 days - pour out the rest. When the glove falls, which is considered the main sign of the readiness of the wine drink, it should be filtered, distributed in glass bottles and sent to the basement.

A sparkling drink will be very useful in the cold season. It should be taken in a tablespoon before meals. A high concentration of vitamin C and ascorbic acid prevents vitamin deficiency and a decrease in the general immunity of the body.

Possible harm and contraindications

Before consuming actinidia for food or using it as a medicine, it is important to consider contraindications.

The berries of a tree liana are contraindicated for people suffering from varicose veins, increased blood clotting or thrombophlebitis. In addition, the plant is contraindicated for allergy sufferers. Also, do not use actinidia in case of kidney problems, gastritis and ulcers.

You should not give the fruits of the vine to children, otherwise it can provoke diathesis. Pregnant and lactating women should refrain from eating fruits.

If there are no contraindications to eating actinidia berries, do not forget about the norm.Abuse of the fruit can trigger gastrointestinal problems, including indigestion.

Actinidia has many beneficial properties. It is widely used in medicine, cooking, and cosmetology. However, self-medication with a tree liana is unacceptable even in the absence of contraindications. Before the regular and systematic use of the fruits of this culture, you should consult your doctor.