Viburnum jam: health benefits and harms

Jams, mousses, jams and preserves are all popular desserts that caring housewives annually prepare in their kitchens in order to pamper their loved ones with a spoonful of sweet treats in the winter (and not only). But most do not even realize that many types of jam are not only tasty, but also very useful for human health. A couple of spoons a day of such yummy can protect against many diseases. One of these desserts is viburnum jam.

The benefits of viburnum fruits have been known since ancient times, so the berries were used to make various tinctures, decoctions, drinks and, of course, jam. Its benefits are truly multifaceted, because the berry has a lot of useful properties.

The viburnum tree itself belongs to the tree genus of the Adox family. This plant grows mainly in the northern regions. It is a small tree or shrub with red or black berries. Sometimes you can see yellow fruits. Now 166 species of this miracle plant are known, the benefits of which are hidden in the composition, which includes:

• organic acids;
• pectins;
• sodium;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• carotene;
• vitamin C;
• Vitamin E
• tannins;
• volatile production.

Kalina is very popular in folk medicine. It is believed that it can cure almost any disease. The leaves, bark, seeds and fruits of the plant - all of them have their own healing effect. For these reasons, the fruits of viburnum are used to make magic syrups, marmalades and preserves, which can enhance human health.

Composition and calorie content

Unique viburnum jam is cooked mainly in autumn, because berries ripen at this time. The bright red clusters from which it is prepared give the product the following useful nutrients:

1. Vitamin A, capable of renewing the body’s tissues, as well as preserving the beauty of hair, skin, nails, improving eyesight and enhancing immunity.
2. Vitamin C. The amount of this vitamin in viburnum berries is twice its amount in citrus fruits.
3. Vitamin E - tocopherol, capable of preserving youth, removing toxins and carcinogens from the human body, saturating it with oxygen, controlling reproductive activity, lowering pressure and improving performance.
4. Vitamin K is an essential component for improving blood coagulation and preventing bleeding.
5. Vitamin P, which helps the body better absorb ascorbic acid, and also supports the health and elasticity of capillary vessels.
6. Acetic acid, which lowers blood pressure, helps to lower blood sugar, lose weight and is an antibacterial substance.
7. Formic acid, which eliminates inflammation and acne on the skin and has a diuretic effect.
8. Caffeic acid is an antioxidant that relieves inflammation.
9. Butyric acid, which is a prophylactic against cancer, controlling the beneficial intestinal microflora, protecting the body's cells from various injuries.
10. Palmitic acid is the main source of energy.
11. Pectin is an indispensable element for cleansing the intestines, cleansing the body of slagging.
12. Citric acid, which cleanses the intestinal tract, the liver, which regulates the digestive process.
13. Essential oils that can give great benefits to the human body as a whole.
14. Calcium - the basis of body tissues, the main component for strengthening the bone skeleton, teeth, nails and hair.
15. Magnesium involved in metabolic metabolism that regulates the functioning of the heart muscle and nervous system.
16. Phosphorus, which is involved in all biochemical reactions in the body and maintains a normal level of development of bones and teeth.
17. Boron is a participant in the energy and mineral processes of metabolism, an assistant in the absorption of magnesium, in wound healing, supporting hormonal levels.
18. Iodine, which controls the level of glucose, the breakdown of fats, normalizes blood pressure.
19. Zinc - improves the condition of the skin, nails, hair, controls the functioning of cells at all levels, normalizes the central nervous system and is responsible for the reproductive system.
20. Phytoncides - substances that can fight harmful bacteria that endanger the human body.
21. Tannins that can strengthen blood vessels and are antioxidants that can cleanse the body.

The nutritional value of the dessert is 368 kcal per 100 g of dessert, 98.4 g of carbohydrates, but there is no protein or fat.

A fairly extensive list of nutrients and brought viburnum jam into the leaders of healthy desserts that affect all the functions of the human body.

What is useful jam from viburnum

General benefit

Viburnum jam has a rather specific taste and smell, so some do not really like to feast on it, but in vain! It retains most of the vitamins and minerals of fresh berries. Dessert is able to provide great health benefits and has the following list of useful properties:

1. Activation of the human immune system.
2. Removing and treating the symptoms of colds.
3. Prevention and protection against liver diseases and maintaining the health of this body.
4. Cholagogue action.
5. Hepatoprotective functions.
6. Normalization of the digestive tract.
7. Removing symptoms and general improvement during exacerbation of gastric ulcer.
8. Improving the appearance of the epidermis.
9. Elimination of skin problems in the form of acne and skin inflammations.
10. Prevention and prevention of kidney stones.
11. Normalization and regulation of the nervous system.
12. Prevention of anemia.
13. Hepatitis treatment.
14. Analgesic effect.
15. Elimination of symptoms of heartburn.
16. Normalization of the intestines.
17. Increased blood coagulation.
18. Reduction of bleeding.

The list of useful qualities of viburnum jam is amazing. His abilities can affect all body systems, healing and strengthening health in general. In addition, the treat has its own secrets, which are aimed at eliminating the individual problems of the female body, male and child. All these cases require special clarification.

For women

Viburnum has long been considered a tree that gives an exceptional positive effect to women. It is the health of the fair sex that this plant is able to bring the greatest benefit. This is primarily due to compounds present in fruits and, naturally, in jam, whose action is similar to the action of female hormones. So, jam, cooked from the fruits of the bush, can bring such benefits for the weaker sex:

• improving the appearance of the skin;
• removal of inflammation and redness of the skin;
• improvement in general condition during menopause;
• elimination of unpleasant symptoms of menopause and critical days, as well as depressive conditions;
• normalization of sleep and nervous system functions;
• increased hemoglobin;
• reduction of heavy discharge during menstruation;
• prevention of cystitis.

In addition, viburnum helps to increase the overall tone of the female body. Therefore, jam must be in the arsenal of medicinal preparations of every woman to preserve health and beauty.

For men

Traditional healers used viburnum jam and berries not only to solve women's problems. For men, jam is also beneficial. Its magical properties for the stronger sex lurk in the following:

• body protection against colds;
• normalization of the functioning of the genitourinary system;
• improved blood supply to the pelvic organs;
• prostatitis prophylaxis;
• increased sexual activity;
• recovery after excessive physical exertion.

Thus, men can and should consume a miraculous delicacy that can eliminate many diseases with a male “character” and take care of health in general.

During pregnancy

In pregnancy, the female body is more susceptible to attacks of harmful pathogenic bacteria. Viburnum jam can increase the body's resistance to seasonal infections, as well as activate the immune system. In addition, the mineral substances that make up the jam stabilize the nervous system, eliminate sleep problems, and maintain skin condition.

But with the endless pluses of dessert, there is a huge minus, due to which the use of viburnum jam during the period of expectation of the child practically comes to naught - a treat, like the berries themselves, can increase the tone of the uterus, and for a pregnant woman it is extremely dangerous. Therefore, the use of a useful product is possible only in the absence of complications during the course of pregnancy, and also only after mandatory consultation with the attending physician, who is able to determine the patient's condition and the possible dosage of dessert.

When breastfeeding

Moms who breastfeed their babies are required to monitor both their health and the baby’s health, so special attention is paid to the menu during this period. Food and dishes should not harm the baby. Unfortunately, useful viburnum can provoke a severe allergy in a child. For this reason, it is better to refrain from using jam until the baby is 3 months old.

For children

Viburnum jam will be an invaluable service for babies during colds, as dessert, or rather the berry itself, is a natural immunostimulant. In addition, jam can reduce elevated body temperature without having a devastating effect on the child's body, like aspirin or another synthetic drug. Jam can also be useful for children with increased irritability. The fact is that the magnesium contained in the berries and the finished product has a calming effect and normalizes sleep.

It is necessary to remember that it is better to give jam after the baby reaches the age of two and do it gradually, starting with half a teaspoon per day. Then the dose can be increased to a spoon per day. At an older age and in the absence of health problems, in which products from red berries of a plant are contraindicated, up to 2-3 teaspoons per day can be consumed. It should be remembered that jam from viburnum is not the delicacy that should be included in the daily diet. It is better to do this two or three times a week, but not more often.

When losing weight

Berries of viburnum are quite low-calorie, but jam cannot boast of this quality, because sugar or honey is added to it. At the same time, it is rich in minerals that help to fill the lack of nutrients in the body during weight loss. In addition, the treat removes toxins and has a diuretic effect, but the presence of a large amount of sugar casts doubt on the use of dessert during the diet.

It is worth mentioning that the product contains 80% carbohydrate chains, which lead to the formation of glycogen, which is the source of the formation of extra pounds. Therefore, it is still not worth abusing jam very much, but if you eat 2 tablespoons of dessert once a week, then there will be no harm, and the health benefits are great.

Harm and contraindications

Unfortunately, each, even the most useful product has its own contraindications to use. And viburnum is no exception. Jam from its fruits is very useful, but not for everyone. Do not eat dessert for people suffering from the following diseases and dysfunctions of the body:

• individual intolerance;
• pathology of the kidneys;
• increased blood coagulation;
• low blood pressure;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• tendency to corpulence;
• diabetes;
• predisposition to blood clots.

But it is worth noting that not everything is so categorical! In some cases, doctors allow the use of a healthy dessert. In this case, you must consult with your doctor and determine the possible risks and benefits of consuming the product.

How to collect viburnum for jam

Viburnum jam is a miracle product that improves human health and cures of many diseases. But in order to really benefit it, and the effect is maximum, it is important not only to cook it correctly, but also to collect the berries of the plant. The collection rules are quite simple and everyone can remember them if necessary:

1. First you need to remember the time of flowering plants - this is May and June. The fruits will appear in July, and they will gain strength only by the end of summer, i.e. in August. It was during this period that they began to be collected in the southern regions. In more northern regions, you need to wait for the first frosts and pick berries after them, because then they will lose their bitterness and taste good. This time is approximately in October.
2. Viburnum trees need to be selected away from the roadway so that harmful atmospheric emissions do not harm health, but bring only one benefit.
3. The tree itself should not have any signs of disease or damage.
4. Red berries should also be smooth and without extraneous impregnations - this suggests that the fruit is healthy and usable.
5. It’s best to start picking viburnum in dry weather and cut the brushes of berries with scissors.
6. Berries should be washed and dried at home.

Observing such uncomplicated "laws" of the collection of raw materials, any product made from viburnum will benefit and help get rid of health problems.

How to cook jam from viburnum: recipes

Nowadays, there are lots of recipes on how to make viburnum jam, which is better to add there to improve taste. Every housewife and family has their own favorite recipe, proven over the years. Here are just a few of them:

Classical

Ingredients:

• viburnum (fruits) - 970 g;
• granulated sugar - 790 g;
• water - 185 ml.

Cooking method:

1. Rinse and sort the berries, removing damaged fruits, extra branches and stalks. Then put the raw materials in the dishes and blanch it with a small amount of water. You can abandon the blanching process and simply bake the fruits in the oven until the berries become softer.
2. At the same time, combine water with granulated sugar and boil the syrup, which is boiled to a transparent state.
3. Next, lay the berries in the syrup and continue the cooking process for 30 minutes. After this, the jam should "rest" for 6 hours.
4. After the time has elapsed, restart the cooking process until the product has the desired consistency.
5. When the dessert is ready, put the jam in clean jars, having previously sterilized them, cork them with lids and let cool, wrapped in a blanket or a warm towel.

Vanilla Five Minute

Ingredients:

• viburnum - 1.6 kg;
• granulated sugar - 1.6 kg;
• water - 0.53 l;
• vanilla sugar - 16 g.

Cooking method:

1. Carefully sort the fruits of viburnum, getting rid of excess raw materials, and rinse under running water. Then dry the berries.To do this, sprinkle them on a previously prepared cloth or napkin.
2. At this time, put water on fire, heat and add all kinds of sugar. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved, and then add the berries. The cooking process takes 5 minutes.
3. After that, leave the jam to cool for 5 hours.
4. Then put the jam on the fire again and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes. In the process, the product should be mixed and the resulting foam removed.
5. Next, prepare the jars, having washed and sterilized them, and spread the viburnum jam.

Seedless

Ingredients:

• viburnum - 1.22 kg;
• granulated sugar - 220 g.

Cooking:

1. Rinse berries of viburnum and remove twigs. Next, allow the fruits to dry and lay them in plastic bags, which they put in the freezer for 2 hours.
2. Then get the berries, put them in a bowl with a thick bottom and cover with a lid. The fruits should warm up for 20 minutes and let the juice flow.
3. At the next stage, shift the raw materials into a colander and mash the berries with a fork or a special “crush”. Add the granulated sugar to the resulting mashed mass and boil for 5-6 minutes.
4. At the end, prepare sterilized dishes and decompose the product, clogging it. Banks should cool off in the heat, you can wrap them with a coverlet. This healthy treat is stored at temperatures between 5 and 25 ° C.

Apple and Viburnum Jam

Ingredients:

• viburnum - 1.5 kg;
• apples - 5kg;
• sugar - 5kg;
• water - 0.5 l.

Process:

1. Rinse and prepare the berries of viburnum.
2. Separate the juice of the fruits of viburnum with a juicer.
3. Wash the apples, peel and cut into thin slices.
4. Combine apples, granulated sugar and water in an enameled bowl, put on fire and cook after boiling until sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Cool the jam slightly and add the juice from the fruits of viburnum.
6. Put on the fire again and bring to a boil, after which make a low heat and cook until the apples are soft.
7. Arrange the product in prepared jars that have been sterilized and seal with lids.
8. Cool and clean in a cool place.

Orange with viburnum

Ingredients:

• orange - 4 pcs.;
• viburnum - 1.5 kg;
• granulated sugar - 9 glasses.

Cooking:

1. Wash the oranges thoroughly, cut into slices and scroll them with a meat grinder. Sort the fruits of viburnum and rinse under running water.
2. Then dry the berries, and then grind them until a homogeneous mass is formed using a blender.
3. After this, combine the berry mass with sugar and leave for 3 hours.
4. After the specified time, mix the berry and citrus mixtures and place in prepared sterilized containers, which are screwed on with lids. Keep refrigerated.

Lemon Viburnum

Ingredients:

• viburnum - 1 kg;
• lemon - 1 pc.;
• water - 2 tbsp .;
• granulated sugar - 6 glasses;
• vanilla - 1 sachet.

Process:

1. Prepare a hot saline solution in a 1: 1 ratio (a spoonful of salt per liter of water). In this solution, put the selected fruits of viburnum for 2 minutes.
2. Remove the berries and dry while the sugar syrup is being boiled. To prepare it, combine water, granulated sugar and boil it a little.
3. Next, pour viburnum with syrup for 6 hours, after which add the juice of one lemon and mix everything.
4. Take a slotted spoon and remove the berries. In the meantime, take the lemon zest and grate it.
5. Then attach the zest and vanillin to the almost ready-made jam, stir and place on the stove where to cook the product for 5 minutes from the moment of boiling.
6. Cool the resulting syrup and filter, and then pour them the berries of viburnum.
7. Then again put everything on the stove and cook for 8 minutes after boiling.
8. Leave the hot mass for 4 hours, boil again until the jam thickens, then put it in prepared containers and put it in a cool place.

Viburnum and mountain ash

Ingredients:

• viburnum - 1.5 kg;
• water - 1 cup;
• granulated sugar - 10 glasses.

Cooking method:

1. Sort mountain ash and viburnum, rinse, dry and separately pour water.
2. Insist berries for one day.
3. A day later, combine the berries with sugar in one bowl and put on low heat for 7 minutes after boiling.
4. Remove the mass from the stove and let it brew for 7 hours.
5. Repeat the process three times.
6. Arrange the jam in jars and put it in a cool place.

Jam in the slow cooker

Ingredients:

• viburnum - 1 kg;
• granulated sugar - 1 kg.

Cooking method:

1. Sort viburnum berries and rinse thoroughly, and then dry and grind to a homogeneous mass using a blender or meat grinder.
2. Then send the berry substance to the bowl of the multicooker, where to combine it with sugar and stir actively. Next, put the device in the "Extinguishing" mode and wait for the moment of boiling of the mass. From this moment, simmer the product for 6 or 7 minutes.
3. Arrange the hot jam in pre-sterilized jars and seal them with lids (sterilized).

These simple recipes will help to prepare not only tasty, but also healthy treats that can protect the health of the whole family and saturate the body with useful trace elements.

Interesting facts about viburnum

1. The bones of the fruits of viburnum have a heart shape and this is different from all other drupes.
2. On the territory of ancient Russia, viburnum trees were participants in weddings, because were considered wedding trees.
3. The plant grows not only in the northern latitudes, but also on about. Madagascar and the Andes.
4. On the territory of Ukraine, viburnum represents the Fatherland and is its symbol. A bunch of viburnum fruits is a patch on the sleeve chevron of the Ukrainian military.
5. In ancient times, viburnum was considered a truly female shrub, to which women came in search of advice or "pour out" the soul.

Such a viburnum appeared for a modern person, sometimes forgetting the orders and wisdom of his ancestors. But it was they who discovered the magical effect of this amazing plant. All the benefits of berries are stored in a wonderful dessert, which is definitely worth a try. After all, not only sweet, with notes of bitterness, the taste and bright red color attract this jam. Its amazing benefits and the powerful power of nature have come together to help people overcome diseases and strengthen immunity. Therefore, going to your personal garden or to the forest in October, be sure to collect a basket of magic fruits to make a jar of jam that can heal the body and give you health!