What is useful for honeysuckle jam — 5 proven properties

Honeysuckle is a climbing shrub native to the entire Northern Hemisphere. The plant is widely used in Chinese folk medicine.

Honeysuckle jam has a number of beneficial properties for the body and is saturated with nutrients. It can improve the functioning of the brain and cardiovascular system, support lung function and even increase bone strength.

Top 5 useful properties

Let's focus in more detail on the benefits of taking jam from honeysuckle berries (based on scientific sources of information).

1. It is full of valuable components

Honeysuckle berries rich vitamins (B1, B2, K, C, A) and minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, calcium). Most of the valuable substances are preserved during the preparation of jam.

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances also give the dish special value. They inhibit chronic inflammation and neutralize free radicals formed during oxidative stress. As a result, the risk of developing malignant tumors and chronic diseases of any organ is reduced.

2. Supports the health of the heart and blood vessels

Honeysuckle fruits reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arteries.

Additional Advantage – normalization metabolic processes in the walls of blood vessels. As a result, conditions are not created for the introduction of cholesterol crystals and the formation of plaques in the future.

With healthy vessels, pathologies such as coronary heart disease, chronic cerebral ischemia, stroke and myocardial infarction are less common.

Honeysuckle also slightly relaxes the smooth muscles of the arterial vessels, causing a decrease in blood pressure. The dish can be used for the prevention and even therapy (together with medications) of hypertension.

3. Facilitates the course of diseases of the respiratory system

It has been proven that honeysuckle depressing chronic inflammation, normalizes the function of the endothelial lining of the bronchi, and also inhibits the release of mediators of allergic reactions.

The described medicinal properties allow the use of honeysuckle berry jam for the treatment and prevention of exacerbation of respiratory tract diseases associated with obstructive syndrome (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.).

The product reduces the frequency of exacerbations and facilitates the general condition during seizures.

4. Increases bone strength

The dish contains phosphorus and calcium. These minerals play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic processes and ensuring Bone strength of the skeleton.

Regular and constant intake of calcium and phosphorus into the body allows prevent the development of osteoporosis (decrease in bone mineral strength), which is a frequent companion of the elderly and women after menopause.

With osteoporosis, bones become brittle and brittle, and every fracture in old age can be fatal.

5. Supports brain function

British scientists installed that regular intake of B vitamins available in honeysuckle allows Improve cognitive functions of the central nervous system (thinking and attention, memory).

The likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Pick's diseases) is also significantly reduced.

The product is recommended to be taken during active mental stress in order to increase learning ability and attention acuity, prevent fatigue syndrome.

Possible harm

Only ripe berries can be used to make jam.

Unripe (red or yellow) fruits contain prussic acid. It can cause symptoms of poisoning (nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness), as well as suppress the work of vital organs (lungs, heart).

When using jam, the following side effects may develop:

1. Exacerbation of diseases of the digestive system. Jam causes increased production of digestive juices and increased acidity in the stomach. As a result, it is possible to exacerbate chronic gastritis or duodenitis, peptic ulcer disease.
2. Allergic reactions. Are caused by the sensitization of the body to certain components of the jam composition. They can occur in any form: from skin rashes to anaphylactic shock.

Honeysuckle fruit jam can be eaten by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The maximum daily allowance for pregnant women is 30 grams.

Step-by-step recipe

Let's look at some classic recipes for making jam at home.

1. "Five minutes"

Will be required:

• 1 kg of honeysuckle berries;
• 1.2-1.5 kg of granulated sugar.

Recipe:

1. Rinse the berries thoroughly, remove the branches and leaves.
2. Sprinkle the fruits with sugar, mix. Pass the mass through a meat grinder or grind in a blender until smooth.
3. Pour the resulting mass into an enameled container and put it on fire.
4. Cook for about 25-30 minutes (until the sugar is completely dissolved). Then pour into sterilized jars, roll up.

2. With rhubarb

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of honeysuckle fruit;
• 500 grams of rhubarb;
• 400-500 grams of granulated sugar.

Cooking scheme:

1. Peel the rhubarb stalks from the leaves and rinse well under water. Cut into pieces 6-7 cm long.
2. Immerse the stems in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, put them in a colander, let all the water drain.
3. Put the rhubarb through a juicer or meat grinder 2-3 times.
4. Rinse the honeysuckle berries and also pass through a meat grinder or juicer. You can use a blender.
5. Mix the chopped rhubarb and honeysuckle, add sugar, mix again. Put it in an enameled bowl.
6. Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens. The sugar should completely dissolve. Roll up in sterilized jars.

Tips for use

Let's focus on the key points of proper preparation, storage and reception of jam from honeysuckle fruits:

1. How to pick berries correctly . It is recommended to use only fresh fruits that have a dark blue or purple color. Red or yellow berries can cause poisoning.
2. How to store fruits. Freshly picked berries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. During this time, they must be activated. Frozen fruits should not be used to make jam.
3. How to store jam . A self-prepared product can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 6-8 months.
4. How much and when can I eat . It is recommended to take jam 3-5 tablespoons per day. Preferably in the morning. It goes well with any drinks (tea, decoctions, infusions), as well as fresh fruits.

Conclusion

1. Honeysuckle is a healthy berry, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidant and anti–inflammatory substances. It can be consumed in its pure form or used to make jam.
2. Jam has a positive effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels and the brain, increases bone strength and improves the health of the respiratory system.
3. With standardized use and taking into account the risks, the product will not cause harm to health.