Blueberry juice

What is blueberry juice?

Blueberry juice is a juice that is pressed from blueberries or bilberries. Blueberries are small, round berries with a blue to purple color. They grow on bushes in forests or on heaths. Blueberries are very popular as fruit or as an ingredient in cakes, jams or ice cream.

You can buy ready-made blueberry juice or make it yourself. You need fresh or frozen blueberries, water and a little sugar or honey to taste. The blueberries are brought to the boil with the water in a pan and then pureed. The juice is then filtered through a sieve or cloth to remove the skins and seeds. The juice can then be sweetened with sugar or honey.

What ingredients does blueberry juice contain?

Blueberry juice is very rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. It contains, among other things:

• Vitamin C: strengthens the immune system and protects against infections
• Vitamin E: protects cells from free radicals and promotes wound healing
• Vitamin K: supports blood clotting and bone health
• Manganese: is important for the metabolism and the formation of cartilage and bones
• Copper: is important for the formation of red blood cells and the function of nerves and enzymes
• Folic acid: is important for cell division and the formation of DNA
• Dietary fiber: promotes digestion and makes you feel full

Blueberry juice also contains various secondary plant substances that can have a positive effect on health. These include:

• Anthocyanins: are responsible for the blue color of blueberries and have a strong antioxidant effect. They can inhibit inflammation, reduce the risk of cancer and protect the brain.
• Pterostilbene: is a derivative of resveratrol, a well-known antioxidant found in red wine. It can also reduce the risk of cancer, especially in breast cancer cells.
• Flavonoids: are a large group of plant substances that have various health-promoting properties. For example, they can strengthen the cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure and regulate cholesterol levels.

How can blueberry juice help your dog?

Blueberry juice can help your dog in various ways. Here are some examples:

• It can boost the immune system and protect against infections.
• It can protect the cells from free radicals and thus delay ageing.
• It can inhibit inflammation and thus relieve pain.
• It can reduce the risk of cancer and inhibit tumor growth.
• It can protect the brain and improve memory.
• It can promote eye health and support the visual process.
• It can aid digestion and help with diarrhea.

How much blueberry juice can your dog drink?

While blueberry juice is healthy for your dog, they shouldn't drink too much of it. Too much blueberry juice can lead to gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea or vomiting. Blueberry juice also contains a lot of fructose, which can lead to obesity or diabetes.

The recommended amount of blueberry juice for your dog depends on its size, weight and health. As a rule of thumb, you should not give your dog more than one teaspoon of blueberry juice per kilogram of body weight per day. This means, for example, that a 10 kg dog should not drink more than 10 teaspoons of blueberry juice per day.

You should also get your dog used to blueberry juice slowly and gradually increase the amount. Observe how your dog reacts to the blueberry juice and reduce the amount if you notice any side effects.